The Tree of Knowledge (mural)

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The Tree of Knowledge
Mural At Former Cromwell Secondary School
Salford's Tree Of Knowledge - geograph.org.uk - 1450336.jpg
The mural in 2007
ArtistAlan Boyson Edit this on Wikidata
Year1962
Mediumconcrete, porcelain tile, pebble material
Dimensions7 m (23 ft) × 7 m (23 ft)
DesignationGrade II listed building Edit this on Wikidata
LocationSalford, City of Salford, United Kingdom Edit this at Wikidata
Coordinates53°29′46″N 2°16′33″W / 53.496114°N 2.275961°W / 53.496114; -2.275961Coordinates: 53°29′46″N 2°16′33″W / 53.496114°N 2.275961°W / 53.496114; -2.275961
[edit on Wikidata]

The Tree of Knowledge is a relief mural by the artist Alan Boyson.[1] It was created in 1962 for 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]

In August 2009, when the former school building was due to be demolished, the , 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]

In May 2021, planning permission was submitted for the construction of 21 houses and 24 apartments on the site with the plan to retain the mural.

References[]

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