Public Art, old and new

Mono Monday:  Past

Like most old towns, Bristol was originally walled.  Unlike a town like Chester, there is not much left of Bristol's original medieval city walls now.  There were originally 9 gates,  but only one remains - St John's Gate.  

This sculpted head (or what is left of it) decorates Bristol's St John's Gate,  The head itself is only about 200 years old - it is a Victorian addition, not a medieval remnant. I presume from the headdress that it must have commemorated a bishop but cannot track down which Bishop... 

Unfortunately for this fellow, he is within easy reach of passing pedestrians and I suspect that his lack of a nose is probably as much down to vandalism as it is the depredations of time.  As you can see he now looks out onto high rise buildings constructed in the '70's and '80's.  Originally designed as offices they have  now been converted into student accommodation - Bristol University is close.

A few years back the Council allowed this area to be decorated by street artists.  The fox-like creature on the far wall is an example of some of the stunning work that was undertaken.  

The fox (at least I think he's a fox, and he does look like Basil Brush) looks on horrified at what has been done to the bishop; perhaps now he sees the true impermanence of public art and recognises how tomorrow's trend will soon be yesterday's past.  I suspect he won't see 200, which is a shame as I rather like him.