Recently went on a long-overdue research visit to Hull History Centre where, incidentally, Alec Gill’s excellent exhibition of his photos of the Hessle Road community in the late 1970s was attracting a lot of interest. While there I had a conversation with John Scotney, Chairman of Hull Civic Soc., who mentioned his current research into the professional life of J.H. Hirst, Hull’s first City Architect (see above picture taken from H.C.H. website).
To catch bus home stood at the stop facing the south side of Hull City Hall, designed by J.H. Hirst and built during the reign of Edward VII with the foundation stone being laid by the then Prince of Wales (later George V, king during the Second World War). Averting one’s gaze from the hustle-and-bustle at street level some carved in relief panels can be seen along the wall of the second floor at the west end of the building. These each represent a ‘great artist’ of the day. One panel honours Franz Lehar, of Austro-Hungarian birth and in his 30s when the City Hall was being built. Lehar’s was later admired by Adolf Hitler while the City Hall survived the Hull Blitz with minor damage although many buildings around Queen Victoria Square were severely damaged. The twists and turns of History.
‘Look up’ theme to be continued.