"The Wrestlers" is an abstract stone sculpture outside the Mechanical and Civil Engineering department on the Edgbaston campus of the University by Edward Bainbridge-Copnall.
"Wrestling lends itself to thermodynamics, a science which explores the relationships between heat and other mechanical and electrical forms of energy. A paradox is illustrated in the sculpture by the use of so obstinate a medium as granite, being carved to create the fluid movement of the grappling figures. The first impression is of a solid mass, but on closer inspection the two entwined figures become clear." (
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On the brick plinth on which the sculpture stands there is a plaque which gives the following information:
'"THE WRESTLERS"
by E. Bainbridge-Copnall
Between 1951 and 1974 some 250 Post graduate students passed through the School of Thermodynamics. On Professor Bannister's retirment they subscribed for a small sculpture in grateful appreciation of his outstanding scholarship in engineering applications; his exceptional dedicatoin to his students; and his kindness and friendship.'
"‘The Wrestlers’ by Edward Bainbridge-Copnall. Bainbridge-Copnall was a former president of the Royal Society of British Sculptors during 1961-66 and completed ‘The Wrestlers’ in 1950. The sculpture is situated outside the Mechanical and Civil Engineering department. It was purchased with donations made by the former students of a Professor Bannister, to show him their appreciation, on the event of his retirement from the school of thermodynamics at the University of Birmingham in 1974." (
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'Edward Bainbridge Copnall MBE (29 August 1903 – 18 October 1973) was a British sculptor and painter. Best known for his architectural and decorative sculptures featuring allegorical and religious subjects. He was the President of the Royal Society of Sculptors from 1961 to 1966.
Edward Bainbridge Copnall was born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1903 and moved to Horsham, West Sussex in England as a young child after the death of his mother. His father, photographer Edward White Copnall (born 1878, Isle of Wight), lived and worked in Horsham from 1915 to 1962. His uncle was Liverpool-based portrait painter Frank Thomas Copnall (1870–1948).The Copnall family have a long association with Horsham, the street Copnall Way is named after them.
The exterior sculptural scheme for the Royal Institute of British Architects new building in Portland Place, London, completed in 1934, was an important early commission.
In the Second World War, he worked as a camouflage officer in the Middle East, building dummies as part of the military deception for Operation Crusader. Copnall lived in Burma from 1955 to 1956, and completed 50–60 paintings, mainly portraits, during that time. He was also commissioned to do a memorial of General Aung San, the first Prime Minister of Free Burma. The statue was unveiled in Burma in 1955.
He was president of the Royal Society of Sculptors from 1961 to 1966. Bainbridge Copnall wrote A Sculptor's Manual, published in 1971, and Cycles: An Autobiography – The Life and Work of a Sculptor, published in 2001. His son is artist John Copnall (1928–2007).' (
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