Statues - Hither & Thither

Site Search:

Corn Street 45
(The Commercial Rooms)

Britannia, Neptune and Minerva receiving tribute from the continents

Description

The Commercial Rooms, built 1810-11, 'The building a fair specimen of the taste of the architect, Mr. Busby. In t he centre of the principal front is a portico of the Grecian Ionic order, supporting a pediment, which is surmounted by three statues, executed by Mr. Bubb, personifying the City, Commerce, and Navigation; - and under the portico is an alto-relief icprcsenting Britannia, attended by Neptune and Minerva receiving tributes from the four Quarters of the World.' (Bristol Mirror, 5 October 1811).

Commerce

The City of Bristol

Navigation

Inside the porch is a relief depicting Britannia, Neptune and Minerva receiving tribute from the four quarters of the globe. Because of the columns and a big lantern, it is impossible to make a overview photo.

America, depicted by a woman with a feathered headpiece, carrying a plant; Asia with a vase. In the background a lama and a camel respectively.

Britannia, seated in the centre, flanked by the other Neptune (left) and Minerva (right).

Europe, carrying a bowl overflowing with fruit and flowers and a rudder; Africa, carrying a tusk of ivory, with a lion in the background.

Sculptor

James G. Bubb (London 1781-1853), British sculptor (Wikipedia).

Sources & Information

Bob Speel, Architectural sculpture in Corn Street and Clare Street, Bristol.
Bristol Mirror, Saturday 5 October 1811 (British Newspaper Archive).

Locatie (N 51°27'15" - W 2°35'39") (Satellite view: Google Maps)

Item Code: gbsw043; Photograph: 21 March 2019
Of each statue we made photos from various angles and also detail photos of the various texts.
If you want to use photos, please contact us via the contact form (in Dutch, English or German).
© Website and photos: René & Peter van der Krogt