Looking Up

The Caryatids are one Cheltenhams most recognisable features. They run the length of Montpellier, supporting all the buildings. Well its better than boring old columns!

Someone To Watch Over Me

Here in Montpellier this Penfold post box isn't in danger of being removed, what with the beady eyes of the Caryatids keeping watch. Although they haven't managed to stop the finial on the top going AWOL, but with no arms its difficult to apprehend thieves!

And now I'm leaving post boxes alone as I fear I could become a 'post box nerd'!

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Supportive Ladies

One of Cheltenhams most famous features are the Caryatids in Montpellier Walk. There are 30 of these armless ladies spaced all the way from the curved entrance to the Walk up to the Rotunda buildings. They are based on the Caryatids that supported the Acropolis in Athens, although Cheltenhams Caryatids were put in place to support the heavily carved cornices above their heads instead of pillars between each shop. The original ladies at the entrance were installed in 1843 and were made of terracotta by London sculptor Rossi. By 1850 the remaining Caryatids were situated along Montpellier Walk and were created by W.G.Brown of Tivolli. Of the first terracotta Caryatids only 3 remain, one of which was removed in 1969 to be used as a model for further concrete replacements and now lives in the Cheltenham Art Gallery & Museum.