For such a small statue, Patric Park’s ‘Child in a Tub’, newly restored to the Palm House, has had quite an eventful life. How it ended up in the Palm House originally is shrouded in the mists of time. According to Read (1) ‘Child in a Tub’ was originally acquired by the Walker Art Gallery, loaned to the City Council and was placed in the Palm House, although no one is sure when exactly. At some point, presumably after concerns for its safety, it was moved to the foyer of the Women’s Hospital where it remained until its recent rehabilitation ‘home’ to the Palm House. It is still listed as ‘owned by Liverpool City Council’ although ‘the Council’ don’t appear to have any information about it.

Child in a Tub was the work of Patric Park, 1811-55 (the ‘k’ was dropped to acknowledge Scottish heritage. Park (pictured) was born in Glasgow and was known for his classic sculptures including one of Sir Charles Napier and Napoleon 3rd. He was an associate of the Royal Scottish Academy. He died early in Warrington station of all places from a burst blood vessel sustained whilst trying to help a porter lift a heavy trunk. He was 44 yrs old (2).

Patric Park

Child in a Tub dated from 1840 and originally was inscribed with ‘One Whom God Loved’ although this is no longer apparent. At some point the statue was broken in two and repaired. In addition, the head has been broken off and replaced. Other smaller repairs and damage are apparent.

The fact that ‘The Child in the Tub ‘is back in the Palm House is due to a bit of drama. There was a spate of robberies in April 1983. ‘Flora, Goddess of Spring’ was stolen – although its not clear how and she has never been recovered. ‘Council chiefs’ were concerned enough to instal extra locks and security but this didn’t deter thieves who returned with bolt cutters a month later and stole ‘The Child in the Tub’. Fortunately – a real stroke of good luck – The Child in a Tub was spotted by a ‘statue expert’ in Sotheby’s Catalogue before it could be sold and was returned to Liverpool (3). Cavanagh states she was them put into storage for safety and at some point was moved to the Women’s Hospital.

1. B Read Victorian Sculpture (1982)

2. Cavanagh ‘Public Sculpture of Liverpool’ 1997

3. Echo 21.9.86

Peter Walker

White Badge Guide at the Palm House