A 6ft tall sculpture entitled ‘TEO’ by John Thomson dedicated to the work of renowned architect Thomas Ellis Owen and gifted to the University of Portsmouth was unveiled by his great-great grandson at the University Library the other day. Thomas Ellis Owen, a 19th Century architect, engineer and developer was the key figure in creating Southsea village and much of it’s distinctive architecture.

“Walking round Southsea locating the various houses and larger buildings, drawing and photographing them, I became not only a fan but I also gained a real understanding of the development of modern Portsmouth.” John Thomson.

The sculpture is situated on the south east corner of the University Library in Ravelin Park, Cambridge Road, Portsmouth.

You can find out more about Thomas Ellis Owen with the below links:

– www.thomasellisowen.co.uk
– www.welcometoportsmouth.co.uk/thomas%20ellis%20owen.html
– en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Ellis_Owen
– www.memorials.inportsmouth.co.uk/churches/st_judes/teo-window.htm

You can find out more about the sculptor John Thomson at thomsonart.co.uk.

You can also find out more by reading articles about the sculpture unveiling by The BBC and the University of Portsmouth.

Photos by local photographer Stephen Pomeroy.