February 18, 2020 12.16 pm This story is over 49 months old

Design revealed for George Boole statue in Lincoln

It would be placed outside the train station
The cast bronze statue of George Boole teaching two pupils outside Lincoln train station.

Designs for a sculpture to honour the memory of a celebrated Lincoln-born mathematician have been revealed.

The Heslam Trust submitted a plan to erect the statue to honour George Boole, whose work is found in every smartphone and computer.

City of Lincoln Council backed the proposal for the memorial back in 2018 and said it was “pleased” to support the plan.

Now, designs have been revealed for the statue which would be placed outside the entrance of the city’s railway station.

Designed by Antony Dufort, the cast bronze sculpture would depict Boole teaching two pupils, one male and one female.

George Boole, one of the world’ most celebrated mathematicians, was from Lincoln

The statue of the mathematician would stand at seven-feet tall, while the child sculptures would be six-feet tall.

Boole, who was born in the city in 1815, is known for Boolean logic, which is now basic to the design of modern digital computer circuits.

His home on Pottergate is also commemorated with a plaque.

In a statement supporting the original planning application, The Heslam Trust said: “The contribution George Boole made to computer science has been recognised globally by naming a crater on the moon after him.

“It was acknowledged by Alan Turing at Bletchley Park during World War Two that Boolean logic led them to the design of the computer which eventually broke the Enigma Code and is estimated to have shortened the war by two years.

“We feel the city of Lincoln should acknowledge that this important man was born here in Lincoln and remembered with pride.”

Kate Ellis, Major Developments Director at City of Lincoln Council, said: “George Boole has played a vital role in the advancement of computer science. It’s incredible to think every time we use a smart phone or a computer, it is the work of a Lincoln man nearly two centuries ago that made it possible.”

SUBSCRIBE TO LOCAL DEMOCRACY WEEKLY, our exclusive email newsletter with highlights from our coverage every week and insights and analysis from our local democracy reporters.