Frank Tory and Sons
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/Sheffield_Central_Library_Carvings.jpeg/280px-Sheffield_Central_Library_Carvings.jpeg)
Frank Tory and Sons were an English family firm of
History
Frank Tory (1848–1939) originated from London and trained at the Lambeth School of Art, he came to Sheffield in 1880 to accept the carving contract on the Corn Exchange, a building commissioned by the 15th Duke of Norfolk as part of a comprehensive plan to improve Sheffield's markets.[2] Tory's work on the Corn Exchange was to such a high standard that it was suggested that if he stayed in Sheffield there would be plenty of work for him. He set up a studio and workshop in Sans Pavis, a lane amongst the cluttered terraced houses of central Sheffield.[1]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/Parade_Chambers%2C_carvings.jpg/280px-Parade_Chambers%2C_carvings.jpg)
Frank Tory's twin sons Alfred Herbert (1881–1971) and William Frank (1881–1968) were born in Winter Street,
Best known works
Frank Tory
Frank Tory's first commission in Sheffield, the Corn Exchange (1881) is no longer standing, it was gutted by fire in 1947 and demolished in 1964. It was an imposing building near the site of the present day Park Square roundabout, it had much stone dressing including 20 carved stone
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ce/White_Building_carvings.jpg/280px-White_Building_carvings.jpg)
Other works include:
- St Matthew's Church, Sheffield (internal carvings)
- Pieta
- Cairns Chambers, Church Street, statue of Earl Cairns.[5]
- Carmel House, Fargate, external relief sculptures “The Creation” (1890)
- St Ignatius Church, Preston, angels and rererdos (1886)[6]
Alfred and William Tory
The Tory twins were well known for accepting a large range of commissions both big and small.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ab/Mappin_Art_Gallery_Freize.jpg/280px-Mappin_Art_Gallery_Freize.jpg)
Other works include:
- The White Building, Fitzalan Square. Ten figures in relief on a faience facade depicting the Sheffield trades. (1908)[7]
- Victoria Hall, Sheffield, carved decorations of the baroque tower, including a portrait of John Wesley in the gable (1908)
- Leeds Civic Hall (1933)
- Chesterfield Town Hall (1938)
Gallery
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”The Creation”, Carmel House, Fargate by Frank Tory
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Sheffield City Hall by Alfred and William Tory
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St Marie's Cathedral Presbytery. Virgin Mary by Frank Tory.
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Earl Cairns by Frank Tory on Cairns Chambers.
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Top of Victoria Hall by Alfred and William Tory.
References
- ^ ISBN 0 300 10585 1
- ^ ISBN 0 9509437 0 3, page 68, Gives details of Corn Exchange.
- ^ a b Sheffield Star “They Carved Their Name In Glory“ Accessed 1 June 2016 Gives biographical details.
- ^ Public Art in Sheffield (Accessed 1 June 2016) Parade Chambers.
- ^ Public Art in Sheffield (Accessed 1 June 2016) Cairns Chambers.
- ^ The Tablet (Accessed 1 June 2016) Archived 11 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine St Ignatius, Preston.
- ^ Public Art in Sheffield (Accessed 1 June 2016) The White Building.