South Road University Sculptures

Whilst visiting the south of Durham, we came across four art installations at the university campus on The Drive off South Road. This is made up of three colleges: South, Van Milbert, and John Snow.

The Cholera Pump

Location - Jon Snow College

John Snow (1813 to 1858) is considered one of the founders of modern epidemiology, early germ theory, and a leader in medical hygiene. It was his study of an outbreak of cholera in 1854 that identified the source to be a failed water pump in Soho, London.

Sewage had seeped into the water supply, and residents rapidly became infected. Snow was instrumental in having the handle of the pump removed. This pump handle is fixed.

There is a County Durham connection to John Snow as he was assistant surgeon at Burnopfield colliery between 1832 and 1835.

Kernel

Location - Jon Snow College

Further along, through to Broadwick Street buildings you will see a sphere of black puddle stones with a segment cut out, revealing a mirrored interior and what looks like a basketball centre. You can work out that the angle cut out is 60 degrees.

I believe it is called Kernel, I can not think of what fruit has a pitted exterior and a round, smooth stone. Lychee comes close.

The artist is David Arbor (born 1956), who specialised in armillary sundials and at the Chelsea Flower show won 'Best in Show' awards. He appears to be commercial and you will see similar designs and the same theme of a sphere throughout his artwork, which adorn gardens worldwide.

The cut-out segment is highly polished stainless steel with the John Snow College arms and its motto To seek the highest through knowledge and wisdom. In Latin, it is Per scientiam et prudentiam quaere summam.

Some have referenced this as an urinal. Let's hope students act more appropriately though.

It is illuminated at night. If anyone has a photo they wish to share, it will be appreciated.

Mildert Feather

Location - Van Mildert College

By the lake at Van Mildert College, a feather flies in the wind, rotating in the air. The artist was Eric Heide (1934 to 2024) and it was commissioned in 2015 for the 50th anniversary of the college.

Van Mildert College was founded in 1965 and is named after William Van Mildert (1765-1836), the last Prince Bishop of Durham. An Englishman of Dutch descent, he was instrumental in the founding of Durham University in 1832 and his castle is part of the University.

Van Mildert college motto is Sic vos non vobis which translates to Not for yourselves.

The Mildert Feather sits by an endorheic lake and is a Mallard feather. Mallards signify adaptability, emotional healing, and fidelity. Some flank feathers are a lovely metallic mid blue colour and it is a shame this is not painted as such. Mallard feathers are used for flies in fishing, as they are soft, and the speckled ones look like flies.

On my first visit I didn't realise it rotated as it was a still day. On my next visit, it gently and quietly gyrated, which you will be able to view on Facebook.

Conversation

Location - South College

The last piece was outside The Lorde building of South College. It consists of an erect and a curvy piece of painted metal by Nancy Ann Frankel (1929 to 2021). It is called Conversation and looks like nonverbal communication.

This is a non-commissioned piece, so is not site specific. It is purported that Nancy died from suffocation by a young student she had let live with her.

Apparently, in 2018, South College was awaiting a formal name along with a donation, which has not happened, so it has stayed as South College. Its motto Libertas, Aequalitas Civitas Totius Mundi, translates to Freedom, Equality, and Global Citizenship.

There may be a fifth sculpure this is currently missing from its plinth outside the Earhart building.

I found parking at The Story was best, as I could have a cuppa there and use the loo.