Public Monument and Sculpture Association National Recording Project
JETHRO TINKER MEMORIAL
Region ID | MR | |
Work ID | 133 | |
Manual Reference | MR/TAM02 | |
Type | Obelisk | |
Title | JETHRO TINKER MEMORIAL | |
Architect | Wilde, Alfred | |
Date of design | 1871-74 | |
Year of unveiling | 1874 | |
Unveiling details | 18 July 1874 | |
Road | Stamford Street/Mellor Road | |
Precise Location | Astley Road side, lower grounds | |
A to Z Ref | p.85 E2 | |
OS Ref | SJ954989 | |
Postcode | ||
Work is | Extant | |
Listing Status | Don't know | |
Duty of Care | Tameside MBC | |
Commissioned by | Memorial Committee | |
Notes | ||
Originally obelisk on square base, but now only base remaining. Base carved with blackberry, rose, geranium and vine. Four front faces of column decorated with foliation. Original structure had foliated capital surmounted by vase from which emerged carved flowers. | ||
The idea of a memorial to Tinker originated with the Stalybridge Naturalists Society. After his death in 1871, some of his "friends and admirers" along with other "lovers of science" determined to erect a suitable memorial. The park, which opened in [date], was thought to be the best place available and a site was given by the council. Funds were raised to the tune of £80 by exhibiting Tinker's collections. The turnout at the inauguration was reduced considerably by the fact that it took place on Wakes Saturday, the procession being made up of less than 100 people. Tinker was remembered as a man dedicated to scientific inquiry at a time when natural science was ignored or even ridiculed. George Mellor, chairman of the parks committee, told the crowd that he hoped people would see the memorial and "return to their homes better subjects and more thoughtful men, and that they would be reminded that the path of honour was open to all if they would follow it."(1) The memorial was vandalised and the main column pulled down and broken in 199XX. The broken pieces were collected and stored in the park...... The ornate stepped base of the obelisk, incongruously placed on rough stones, remains on or close to its original site. | ||
Jethro Tinker (1788-1871), weaver, naturalist and auto-didact. Born at North Britain near Stalybridge, 25th September 1788. A well known local figure, Tinker was reputed during his studies to have amassed the largest collection of insects in the area. | ||
circa | ||
raw year | 1874 | |
Condition | Fair | |
At risk | Not at risk | |
Inscriptions | Front: JETHRO TINKER/BORN 25TH SEPTEMBER 1788,/DIED 10TH MARCH 1871./ lhs: OUR LOCAL/LINNAEUS rhs: A FIELD NATURALIST/FROM EARLY YOUTH/TO OLD AGE/ Rear: ERECTED BY THE FRIENDS/AND/ADMIRERS OF/NATURAL HISTORY/1874 | |
Signatures | lhs:ALFRED WILDE.SC/WAKEFIELD ROAD/STALYBRIDGE | |
Elements
Element Details
Part of work | Material | Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
Base | Stone | 197cm high x 121cm square |
Assessment of Condition
Surface Character
Detail | Comment |
|---|---|
Biological growth | Algae on foliation |
Corrosion, Deterioration | Weathering of foliation |
Structural Condition
Structural Condition | Comment |
|---|---|
Broken, missing parts | Obelisk missing |
Vandalism
Vandalism | Comment |
|---|---|
None | |