A postcard showing the "Lady Elder Statue" in Elder Park, Govan in 1908, three years the death of Isabella Elder. The statue was erected in 1906. Designed by A Macfarlane Shannan in bronze it depicts her in her academic robes, as one of the first three women to be awarded an honorary degree by the University of Glasgow (in 1901). The statue is on a granite base.
Isabella Elder nee Ure was the wife of John Elder, one of the Clyde's most famous shipbuilders and marine engineers and a founder of what became the Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co. She was one of Govan's greatest benefactors and was known to locals affectionately as "Lady Elder", although she had no official title.
Reference: Mitchell Library, GC Postcards
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
benefactors, bronze, Elder Park, Fairfield Shipbuilding & Engineering Co, Fairfield Shipyard, honorary degrees, Lady Elder Statue, marine engineers, parks, philanthropists, postcards, sculptures, shipbuilders, statues, University of Glasgow, women