Murals

Alan Boyson – Tree of Knowledge, Salford

Listing: Listed Grade II
Condition: Good condition
Material Type: Ceramic, concrete and pebble mixed media
Building Type: Educational
Artist / Designer: Alan Boyson
Owners: Salford City Council
Date: 1962
Address: Former Cromwell Secondary School, Boyston Drive, Salford M6 6BD
Local Authority: Salford City Council
County: Greater Manchester
Country: England

Believed to be the only C20 ceramic mural in Salford, the ‘Tree of Knowledge’ mural was designed for the Cromwell Secondary School for girls by Alan Boyson, designer maker and then former lecturer at the School of Ceramics in the College of Art, Wolverhampton. It is an astounding piece of polychromatic work in mixed media designed with a direct association to the building’s main function.  The mural depicts the Tree of Knowledge surrounded by stylised birds – including an owl of wisdom – and flowers in blue and light coloured ceramics. The mural was forwarded for listing by the Tiles and Architectural Ceramics Society (TACS) with support from the Twentieth Century Society, and also local campaigners. It was listed in 2009 and has been preserved in-situ following the redevelopment of the school site.

https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1393433