The London Road statue of Florence Nightingale, including the surrounding stonework, is a Listed Building (Grade 2).

Dating from 1914, it stands on the south side of London Road, on a pedestal at the centre of a concave stone bay in front of the grounds to Derbyshire Royal Infirmary.

The sculptor was Countess Feodora Gleichen, who was related to Queen Victoria. She was the first woman member of the Royal Society of British Sculptors.
 
 

The photographs above and below, were taken in June 2004. Concern had been expressed by local people about the statue's grimy condition. A Councillor spoke of the need to "give Florence's dress a good clean".
 
Action was taken through the Maintenance Section of the Council's Property Services Division. The results are impressive, as shown in the photographs on the right which were taken in early August 2004.

Maintenance Section reports that the marble statue was cleaned using water pressure only, and without the use of chemicals. To avoid the threat of long-term damage, the sandstone blocks were repointed using limestone mortar. The railings were painted in specialist metal paint. The marble flame in Florence's torch was remade and replaced, having been lost through vandalism.
 
 

You can download more information about Florence Nightingale  and her connections with Derby by following the link.

The comments which follow are taken from the Derby Public Art Strategy. They underline the need to address issues about maintenance as part of any strategy for public art.

"Public art is an asset for the community in which it stands. It brings visual quality, interest and identity to places that might not otherwise possess them, and as with any other asset it should be a matter of principle that any work of art should be cared for into the long-term future.

All too often public art is commissioned with no thought being given to long-term maintenance issues. The result is that the effects of damage, vandalism, dirt and simple deterioration remain unrectified, the original asset is devalued, and the reputations of all those involved is placed at risk."

This webpage shows that the importance of maintenance is recognised in Derby. The photos below show two other artworks maintained by the Council, the Waterfall in the Market Place, and the Derby Ram at East Street / Albion Street.

As a first step in addressing maintenance on a comprehensive, city-wide basis, the Derby Public Art Implementation Plan  117kb includes action to "Prepare a schedule showing maintenance responsibilities and arrangements for public artworks in the city". This task will be completed in due course by the Environmental Sustainability Unit's Built Environment Team.

See our related web page Paying the price of vandalism - Maintenance of public art.

For further information please contact the Built Environment Team:

Telephone 01332 255060 or e-mail: urban.design@derby.gov.uk