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The Russel Head
The Russel Head
The Russel Head

The Russel Head

Artist (Aberdeen, Scotland, 1810 - 1899)
Object NameSculpture
ClassificationsSculptures
Object numberABDCC001160
About MeThe Russel Head consists of the head of an old man fixed to the corner of two out-facing walls. The face has a look of surprise/pain. His mouth is wide open, revealing teeth and a furrowed brow. His long beard sweeps around each side of the stonework.

This can be seen attached to the south-east corner of Provost Skene's House
George Russell (1810-1899) carved this stone effigy of himself. Russell owned a building at 35 Ragg's Lane, in which he ran a bakery. The Town Council closed the bakery as it was near a sewer. Believing his neighbour had complained to the council, Russell carved this effigy and fixed it to his premises so that Stephen, his neighbour, would always see the gargoyle pulling a face.

The Russell Head was fixed on the corner of Provost Skene's House sometime after the demolition of Ragg's Lane in 1959.