This is a small-scale abstract sculpture carved in granite. The stone of the sculpture is light-grey in colour and speckled in appearance. It sits on a slim dark-grey metal platform on a brick-built plinth in a raised planted area surrounded by well-established shrubs. The sculpture appears to be one form but is made up of two interlocking shapes carved into the stone’s surface. The shapes are curved and abstracted but can be recognised as two human figures intertwined in a wrestling pose. The legs of the figure at the base appear to be holding the head of the upper figure in a lock.
There is a printed dedication panel fixed to the plinth of the sculpture with an inscription in white text which reads:
“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 retirement they subscribed for a small sculpture in grateful appreciation of his outstanding scholarship in engineering applications; his exceptional dedication to his students and his kindness and friendship