Philosophy

On Kelvin Way Bridge in Glasgow there are four pairs of large statues designed by Paul Raphael Montford. The statues were commissioned in 1914 but not erected until the 1920s. The four pairs are Peace and War; Navigation and Shipbuilding; Philosophy and Inspiration; Commerce and Industry. Each pair of figures sits aside a carved pillar topped by dolphin heads and a lampstandard.

Today I decided to focus on Philosophy, the bearded man looking at the skull beside him. The models for this group were exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1917. The finished work (after many delays due to the war and problems with cost), is highly celebrated.

Professor Ray McKenzie of GSA calls the Kelvin Way Bridge sculptures as a whole "an outstanding artistic achievement by any standards."