Brass Founders' Pillar facts for kids
Brass Founders' Pillar (2018)
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| Location | Nicolson Square, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom |
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| Designer | James Gowans John Stevenson Rhind (statue) |
| Material | Bronze Granite (base) |
| Dedicated to | Brassfounders |
The Brass Founders' Pillar is a tall, impressive monument located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It's also known as the Brassfounders Column. This special column celebrates the skilled people who worked with brass, known as brassfounders. It stands as a reminder of their craft and a big event that happened in Edinburgh long ago.
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What is the Brass Founders' Pillar?
This monument is a tall, decorative column made mostly of bronze and granite. It was built to honor brassfounders, who are people who make things out of brass. Think of it like a giant trophy or a special landmark.
Why Was the Pillar Built?
The Brass Founders' Pillar was first created for a huge event called the International Exhibition of Industry, Science and Art in 1886. This was like a giant world's fair held in Edinburgh. At this fair, countries and industries showed off their latest inventions and best work. The Brassfounders' Guild of Edinburgh and Leith, a group of brass workers, wanted to show off their amazing skills. So, they commissioned this column as their main display.
Who Designed the Monument?
The main design for the column was done by James Gowans, a famous architect. The statue at the very top of the column was designed by John Stevenson Rhind. This statue shows a figure named Tubal-cain, who is known in old stories as one of the first people to work with metals.
Where is the Pillar Now?
After the big exhibition in 1886, the Brass Founders' Pillar won a gold medal for its design and craftsmanship. It was then moved to Nicolson Square in Edinburgh, where it still stands today. In 2008, the area around the column was cleaned up and restored a bit to keep it looking good.
How is the Pillar Designed?
The Brass Founders' Pillar is made from a strong granite base. On top of this base, there's a tall, square shaft made of bronze. This shaft has six different levels, or "tiers."
What Details Can You See?
Each of the six levels on the bronze shaft features a special coat of arms. These are like unique symbols or emblems that represent different groups or families. At the very top of the bronze shaft, you'll see the statue of Tubal-cain. He is shown because he is considered a very important figure in the history of metalworking.
What Does the Plaque Say?
There's a bronze plaque attached to the base of the monument. It explains that the Brassfounders of Edinburgh and Leith made and put up the column. It also says that they gave it to the City of Edinburgh in 1909, to remember the 1886 International Exhibition. The plaque also mentions that James Gowans designed it.
