Image Not Available

Three pieces of granite once intended for Nascent Lions for George VI Bridge

Object NameSculpture

Mediumgranite

ClassificationsSculptures

Object numberABDCC001165.2

About MeThese three blocks of Kemnay granite were originally intended for the George VI Bridge spanning the River Dee, near Duthie Park. Along with a 4th stone (now sited in Bon Accord Square and carved to commemorate Aberdeen architect Archibald Simpson), they were to be carved into nascent lions which would decorate the parapets of the bridge, a scheme which never happened.

The bridge, designed by Sir Frank Mearns, was laid out in 1938. As part of the original design it had been intended that the Scottish sculptor D. O. Pilkington Jackson would carve four heraldic lions. However in 1940, following the outbreak of war, the Ministry of Transport halted the work on the lions and the bridge was eventually opened without them, by King George VI on 10th March 1941.

The fourth block was given to the Aberdeen Civic Society in 1975. It was to be used as a memorial to the architect Archibald Simpson and as such now stands in Bon Accord Square.