A photograph of one of the leopard finials on the north side of Union Bridge.

These feline sculptures were originally designed for, and installed as part of, the Town Council project to widen Union Bridge that took place about 1907-1910.

The cats were designed by either Sydney Boyes (1878-1931) or William Kelly (1861-1944).

Initially controversial, the leopards in time became very popular and a much-loved feature of the bridge.

They also became known as Kelly's Cats. It is believed this is because during a fundraising event students tied ribbons around the cats on the bridge. William Kelly, who had overseen its widening, reacted angrily and demanded the ribbons be removed and so they became "Kelly's Cats".

This photograph was taken on 29th April 2024.

Location

Union Terrace Gardens

Keyword

Parks and gardens

Photographer

David Oswald