AFRICAN WOMAN OR AFRICAN VENUS, CLIFTON PARK MUSEUM, ROTHERHAM

While this isn't exactly the place for a gardening website, I had to give this statue a mention.  It's rare that you get the opportunity to take photographs within a museum but I was so enthralled by this fabulous bronze and onyx marble statue of an African Woman (1867) that I asked and was granted permission.  This statue was created by Charles Henri Cordier (1827-1905).  According to the information given by the Clifton Park Museum, Cordier studied in Paris and first exhibited in 1845.  In the mid 19th century he spent time photographing and drawing the citizens of Algeria which were clearly inspirational.  La Femme Africaine was originally made as a lamp holder but the statue was damaged at one point and when it was restored a vase was placed on her head. 

La Femme Africaine (c) Clifton Park Museum, Rotherham

The African Woman by created by Charles Henri Cordier (1827-1905)is not as it appears, a bronze figure clothed in marble.  She is actually 'draped' in carved marble with bronze arms, head, neck, and chest, fitted in and fixed in place.  The head-dress is also marble which is fitted over the head and is a separate piece entirely to the main drapery which appears to be one solid piece.     It's extremely clever work and I still don't see how he managed to do it so convincingly.  When speaking with one of the museum people it was he who told me that it had been damaged at one point and that they had assembled it, and he confirmed that the bronze parts were all entirely separate.  Amazing.

La Femme Africaine (c) Clifton Park Museum, Rotherham

La Femme Africaine

(c) Clifton Park Museum, Rotherham

La Femme Africaine

(c) Clifton Park Museum, Rotherham

I didn't take any other photographs within the museum but do go and have a look if you are in this part of the world because there are some wonderful things to see.   

 

Clifton Park is exactly that, a park.  I wouldn't, though, go expecting something like the fabulous National Trust gardens or the Royal Horticultural Society gardens, like the one at Harlow Carr. 

 

Clifton Park, Rotherham

Clifton Park Walled Garden, Rotherham

Edible Plants within Clifton Park Walled Garden, Rotherham



Clifton Park, Rotherham (interesting external link)

Clifton Park Museum (parking information etc - external link)



Clifton Park

Clifton Lane

Rotherham

South Yorkshire

S65 2AA

Get directions

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Tel: 01709 823635