The Tree of Knowledge (mural)

The Tree of Knowledge is a relief mural by the artist Alan Boyson.[1] It was created in 1962 for Cromwell Secondary School for Girls in Salford, England, and erected on an end wall on the exterior of the school building. It is made from concrete, with ceramic tiles and pebbles collected from the site for which it was designed[2] It measures approximately 7 metres (23 ft) square.[2] It depicts five stylised birds, one an owl, sitting in a tree.[1]

The Tree of Knowledge
Mural At Former Cromwell Secondary School
The mural in 2007
ArtistAlan Boyson 
Year1962
Mediumconcrete, porcelain tile, pebble
Dimensions7 m (23 ft) × 7 m (23 ft)
DesignationGrade II listed building 
LocationCity of Salford, United Kingdom
Coordinates53°29′46″N 2°16′33″W

In August 2009, when the former school building was due to be demolished, the Tiles and Architectural Ceramics Society, The Salford Star (a local magazine), and local residents campaigned successfully to have the mural given statutory protection by being "listed" by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.[1] The notice granting it Grade II listed status said:[1]

It has a high level of aesthetic and artistic quality represented in a bold and striking composition

The rest of the building was subsequently demolished, leaving only the wall on which the mural sits, plus enough of the side walls to support it.

Boyson also made a ceramic tiled wall, since lost, for the school's entrance hall.[3] The combined commission was worth £400.[3]

References
  1. "Salford's Tree of Knowledge saved". BBC. 20 August 2009. Retrieved 7 November 2016.
  2. Historic England. "Details from listed building database (1393433)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
  3. "Salford Tree of Knowledge Saved". Salford Star. 20 August 2009. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
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