Restored sculptures put back on display in courtyard

Museums Sheffield took the figures into storage during changes to the Upper Chapel courtyard but following restoration the trio are now displayed in a new position directly in front of the chapel.

The George Fullard sculptures have been a familiar sight in Sheffield city centre for the past 20 years.

Originally made in plaster, Mother and Child, Running Woman and Angry Woman were cast in bronze before going on display in the mid-1980s.

Donated to the city by the artist's widow, the works have been a constant presence in the courtyard until they were removed just before Christmas.

A spokesman for Museums Sheffield said: "The works have now been resituated and have undergone a cleaning and waxing process which will keep them safe from the elements.

"The sculptures have been restored as part of a series of work in the courtyard including restoration of stonework, new lighting, redecoration and ongoing garden redevelopment."

Born in Darnall in 1923, George Fullard enrolled at the Sheffield School of Art where he studied until he was 18 years old. He then enlisted in the army and was seriously wounded in fighting in Italy.

After recovering, he took up his scholarship to study at the Royal College of Art and, following his graduation, received a travelling scholarship to Paris where he studied the work of Auguste Rodin.

In 1963 he was appointed head of sculpture at the Chelsea School of Art, a position he held until his death in 1973.