Lunchtime Talk: Unsurpassed Genius – Godfrey Sykes’ Groundbreaking Designs

Have you ever wondered about the man who is commemorated on the tall column in Sheffield's Weston Park and why it looks as it does? 

Historian Dr Sylvia Dunkley will talk about the life and works of versatile, mid-nineteenth century Sheffield artist and designer, Godfrey Sykes, who popularised the use of terracotta as an artistic medium. 

Hear how Sykes had already had a successful career in Sheffield as a designer and a painter of local industries and landscapes before being approached by the South London Museum (the former name of the Victoria and Albert Museum) and how several others from the Sheffield School of Design became part of his London team. 

Sykes is probably best known in Sheffield today through the terracotta column to his memory in Weston Park, which was designed by one of his students and London colleagues, James Gamble. 

This event is part of our programme for Heritage Open Days.