March 26, 2020 3.42 pm This story is over 48 months old

Final go-ahead for George Boole statue in Lincoln

A fitting tribute
The cast bronze statue of George Boole teaching two pupils outside Lincoln train station.

The final go-ahead has been granted for a statue of the celebrated mathematician George Boole in Lincoln.

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

Designs for the sculpture, which will be placed outside the city’s train station, were revealed back in February.

Designed by Antony Dufort, the cast bronze statue will depict Lincoln-born Boole teaching two pupils, one male and one female.

Now, City of Lincoln Council has given the final backing for the plan to go-ahead.

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

The statue of the mathematician will 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 planning statement, The Heslam Trust said it was important that Boole was “remembered with pride” in the city.

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.