The Barber Institute of Fine Arts Shield No.2 - University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, U.K.
Posted by: Mike_bjm
N 52° 27.024 W 001° 55.643
30U E 572893 N 5811675
Coat of arms of the University of Birmingham are to the right-hand side of the main entrance to the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.
Waymark Code: WM124H1
Location: West Midlands, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 02/25/2020
Views: 2
Coat of arms of the University of Birmingham are to the right-hand side of the main entrance to the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.
The Blazon of the arms is as follows:
Per chevron, the chief per pale gules and azure, in dexter a lion rampant with two heads, in sinister a mermaid holding in the dexter hand a mirror and in the sinister a comb Or, the base sable charged with an open book proper, with two buckles and straps and edges of the third, inscribed "Per ardua ad alta". (
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The lion and the mermaid featured on the arms of Mason Science College and the arms of Sir Josiah Mason the founder of the College in 1875. Mason Science College was the precursor and nucleus of the University of Birmingham. (
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The open book is a common symbol for universities and schools. The motto "Per ardua ad alta" means "Through hardship, great heights are reached". (
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The University of Birmingham
The University shield depicts a mermaid holding a mirror and a comb and a double headed lion both symbols of the Mason family and Mason Science College. These are painted in gold upon fields of red and blue, the colours of the University. The shield also includes an open book, representing the University’s royal charter, granted by Queen Victoria in 1900. Upon its pages the University motto is inscribed, Per Ardua ad Alta: Through effort, to high things.
“Discovering Heraldry” by Jacqueline Fearn (ISBN: 978-0-74780-660-8)
"The Illustrated Heraldry" by Stephen Slater (ISBN: 978-0-754-83460-1)
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