Boy and Goose

Location - Corporation Street / Artists - Charles Clayton Thompson and Alexander Fisher 

Originally known as the 'Boy and Gander', this bronze statue dates from 1926. It was in the Market Place until 1971 when it was moved to the Riverside Gardens when road reconstruction took place. In 1976 it was placed within the new Assembly Rooms, having spent some time in storage at Markeaton Park.

Earlier in the 1920s the designer, Charles Thomson, had designed the War Memorial, Market Place, so the similarities in style between the two works come as no surprise. Alexander Fisher modelled the boy and goose figures.

The artwork was paid for through a bequest to Derby Corporation of Lady Roe, the widow of Lord Thomas Roe. Previously Sir Thomas Roe MP, he had been Mayor of Derby as well. 

Originally, the bronze figures surmounted a fountain. The fountain and the figures brought together ideas of rhythm, movement and play. 

An article in the Derby Mercury for 2 April 1926 featured the new artwork. Posing the question of the connection between the bronze work and the fountain, the comment was that 'a fountain suggests play and movement of water and anything that an artist can do to increase and stimulate the idea without exaggeration will enhance the design'.

 
Some observers will be unsure about the boy's behaviour toward the goose. The Derby Mercury commented 'the play between the boy and the gander is perhaps a one sided affair, but there is no suggestion of cruelty. The gander is a hefty, healthy bird and obviously capable of looking after itself as any self-respecting gander can'.

Phil Murnaghan, Head of Environmental Sustainability at the City Council, confirms that this artwork is probably one of the two or three most popular in the City, at least for those not too concerned about people annoying geese. 'The artwork is simple, direct and undemanding. It has a charm and a nostalgic, homely quality shared with the war memorial. It's certainly not one that people write to the local paper to complain about, and there's no doubt that it does make a positive contribution to the City's public realm'.

'But other than the indirect Lord and Lady Roe connection - the artwork with fountain was chosen on their behalf, not by them - does it have anything to do with Derby, a City of industry, enterprise and innovation? Perhaps it is a wistful reference to a remote and agricultural past, with Derby proud to be the county town of rural Derbyshire'.

The Derby Public Art Strategy sets the scene for future public artworks in the city.

For further information please contact the Built Environment Team:

Telephone 01332 255060  Minicom 01332 256666  Fax 01332 255989  e-mail urban.design@derby.gov.uk