Between 1951 and 1974 some 250 Post graduate
students passed through the School of Thermodynamics.
On Professor Bannister's retirement they subscribed
for a small sculpture in grateful appreciation of his
outstanding scholarship in engineering applications;
his exceptional dedication to his students; and his
kindness and friendship.
Annotation
The leaflet of the Campus Sculpture Trail writes about this sculpture: "Wrestling lends itself to thermodynamics, a science which explores the relationships between heat and other mechanical and electrical forms of energy. A paradox is illustrated in the sculpture by the use of so obstinate a medium as granite, being carved to create the fluid movement of the grappling figures. The first impression is of a solid mass, but on closer inspection the two entwined figures become clear."
Sculptor
Edward Bainbridge-Copnall (1903-1973),
British sculptor
(Wikipedia).
Sources & Information
University of Birmingham, Campus Sculpture Trail (PDF on-line).
