50p Sculpture!

I walk past this sculpture nearly every time I walk around Trentham Gardens. This was a sculptural gift from the Bank of England, to thank Trentham for housing the London Clearing Banks in The Grand Hall during the Second World War.

It was created by sculptor Robert Berkoff and unveiled on 24th February 1976.

The statue has seven sides - as a fifty pence coin - it sits on one side and the other six are visible. Each side is divided diagonally and the
banks' crests stand out against a bubble-type background surface.

The figure inside the coin is in a semi-foetal position with the knees tucked up near the chin. It symbolises the all-embracing concern of the clearing banks for the financial well-being of their customers.

I thought it was apt to take a shot as the 50 pence piece is 50 years old this year.