Friday, October 26th, 2007
Thomas’s Pigeons
This is the Homage to Thomas Browne’s, a piece of contemporary art by internationally recognised artists, Anne and Patrick Poirier. The work was made specifically for the space, and relates to Thomas Browne, who is buried in St Peter’s Mancroft church and lived in Gentleman’s Walk. There is nowhere else where it would have been suitable.
Poor Sir Thomas - pigeons flock to him and poo on him on a daily basis. I don’t think he minds though.
From Wiki:
Sir Thomas Browne (October 19, 1605 – October 19, 1682) was an English author of varied works which disclose his wide learning in diverse fields including medicine, religion, science and the esoteric.
Browne’s writings display a deep curiosity towards the natural world, influenced by the Scientific revolution of Baconian enquiry.A consummate literary craftsman, Browne’s works are permeated by frequent reference to Classical and Biblical sources and to his own highly idiosyncratic personality. His literary style varies according to genre resulting in a rich, unusual prose that ranges from rough notebook observations to the highest baroque eloquence.
He was admitted as a scholar of Winchester school in 1616, and matriculated at Broadgates Hall (Pembroke College), Oxford, in 1623, where he graduated B.A. in January 1626. He took the further degree of M.A. in 1629, studied medicine, and practiced for some time in Oxfordshire. Between 1630 and 1633 he left England, travelled in Ireland, France and Italy, and on his way home received the degree of M.D. at the university of Leiden. He returned to London in 1634, and, after a short residence at Shipden Hall, near Halifax, settled in practice at Norwich in 1637.
In 1671 King Charles II, accompanied by the Royal Court, visited Norwich and Browne’s home. A banquet was held in the Civic Hall at St. Andrews Hall for the Royal visit. Obliged to honour a notable local, the name of the Mayor of Norwich was proposed to the King for knighthood. The Mayor, however, declined the honour and proposed the name of Browne instead.
Sir Thomas Browne died on 19 October 1682, his 77th birthday. His skull became the subject of dispute when in 1840 his lead coffin was accidentally re-opened by workmen. It was not re-interred until 4 July 1922 when it was registered in the church of Saint Peter Mancroft as aged 316 years.
I am many things - a life coach, a diversity champion, a freelance writer and translator, a dog lover, a citizen of the world, etc - but never thought of myself as a photographer. Norwich inspires me to capture snapshots of this fine Norman city. Take a trip down Norwich lanes or enjoy a walk in the park with me.