Description

Sir Robert Lorimer, 1926-7. On a semi-octagonal plan, snecked rubble with ashlar dressings, all cream sandstone. Centre bay has raised semi-octagonal central feature with bronze bust of Morton, slightly corbelled out, in round-headed niche. Dates of birth and death flank head of niche, Inscription on panel below reads 'Alexander Morton who led this valley to industrial fame and prosperity'. Flanking bays have plain copes, bas-relief panels and inscriptions. On left relief of hand-loom weaver and woman pirn winder, inscription reading 'The wonder of the world: the beauty and the power: the shapes of things'. On right relief of power lace loom, inscription reading 'Their colours lights and shades: these I saw: look ye also while life lasts'. Below reliefs plain wooden benches on stone supports.

End bays are lower than flanking bays, with copes concave-curved down to short plinths for sculptures of, on left boy with corn sheaf and sickle, on right girl with flying shuttle, both with cloche-style hats. Below boy inscription 'Erected by public subscription'. Deep, slightly battered base course. Flanking simple wrought iron railings. Paved area bounded by walls approached by flight of fourstairs.

Statement of Interest

Alexander Morton introduced machine lace making intot he Irvine Valley in about 1880, using machinery from Nottingham. The area became world-renowned for lacemaking and still produces lace and related products. Lorimer was friendly with the Morton family. Upgraded C(S) to A 20 May 1993.

External Links

• Historic Environment Scotland Listing
• Wikidata Q17572064

External links are from the relevant listing authority and, where applicable, Wikidata. Wikidata IDs may be related buildings as well as this specific building. If you want to add or update a link, you will need to do so by editing the Wikidata entry.

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