Sheffield Town Hall is a building in the City of Sheffield, England and is used by Sheffield County Council. Designed by the London-based architect E W Mountford and constructed over a seven-year period from 1890 to 1897, the building opened on 21 May 1897. An extension designed by F E P Edwards was completed in 1923. The wonderful, gothic, exterior is built of Stoke stone from the Stoke Hall Quarry in Grindleford, Derbyshire and is decorated with carvings by F W Pomeroy. The friezes depict the industries of Sheffield (famous for iron and steel), and the 64 metre high clock-tower is surmounted by a statue of Vulcan. One fun fact is that bells were never installed in the clock-tower, but in 2002 an electronic bell sound system was added to provide hourly strikes and quarter chimes.
The building was opened by Queen Victoria, using a remote control lock from her carriage. This was not as automated as it sounds - the turning of the key in the lock triggered a light in the building which was the signal for three concealed men to open the gates.
Fronting on to the beautiful Sheffield Peace Gardens, some of which can be seen in the foreground, the town hall provides a magnificent backdrop for weddings.
Born in the South of England I now live half way up a mountain in Umbria, Italy. I work from my art studio looking out over fabulous views of the Italian countryside. I am so happy to share my artwork with you.
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