Public Monument and Sculpture Association National Recording Project

TWO GEESE

Region ID

MR

Work ID

289

Manual Reference

MR/TRA09

Type

Sculpture

Title

TWO GEESE

Date of design

Year of unveiling

1982

Unveiling details

20 October 1982

Road

Goose Green

Precise Location

Centre of Goose Green

A to Z Ref

p. 119 D4

OS Ref

SJ767876

Postcode

Work is

Extant

Listing Status

Not listed

Duty of Care

A. Booth (Estates) Ltd

Commissioned by

A. Booth (Estates) Ltd

Notes

phosphor-bronze sculpture of two standing geese, both alert, their attention drawn towards the same object, surmounting a square brick pedestal around which is a seat.

Commissioned as part of the redevelopment of Goose Green conservation area which took place between 1978 and 1983. This involved converting some 18th century cottages in the area into shops and offices. The scheme was designed by architect Harry Kennedy and won an award from the Civic Trust.(1) The sculpture, unveiled in October 1982 by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Sir William Downward, immediately attracted the attention of local groups who wanted to commemorate the Falklands War which had ended the previous summer. It was suggested that a memorial plaque be added to the pedestal to mark the engagement fought at Goose Green on the Falklands by the Parachute Regiment. The council at length decided against such a memorial.(2)

Geese were known to be kept at Pinfold Brow in the 19th century.

circa

raw year

1982

Condition

Fair

At risk

Not at risk

Inscriptions

Three of four sides contain plaques; one for North West Civic Trust, another commemorating the unveiling and the third outlining a brief history of the former goose market. Main inscription inset on pedestal: GOOSE GREEN CONSERVATION AREA / Enhancement Scheme by / Trafford Borough Council and The Greater Manchester County Council / 'Two Geese' by Sean Crampton / Sculpture donated by A. Booth (Estates) Ltd. / Seating donated by The Rotary Club of Altrincham / The ceremony to mark the completion of the scheme was performed on / 20th October 1982 by / Sir William Downward, J.P. , LL.D., Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.

Signatures

none visible

Elements

Element Details

Part of work

Material

Dimensions

Sculpture

Bronze

75cm high x 75cm square base 75 cm high x 75 cm square base

Pedestal

brick

Assessment of Condition

Surface Character: nothing recorded

Structural Condition

Structural Condition

Comment

Broken, missing parts

Vandalism

Vandalism

Comment

Surface damage