St Mary’s College was founded in 1899 and is the only University of Durham college to be established in the 19th Century. It has a long and distinguished history and only recently relaxed its female only policy, becoming totally mixed in 2005.

The neo-classical buildings, designed in the 1930s, are situated in beautiful landscaped grounds with stunning views of the cathedral. The extensive gardens now feature spectacular statuary, supplied by Andy Thornton, carefully sourced to blend seamlessly with the historic surroundings.

The front entrance of the college’s Fergusson building is now guarded by an impressive pair of wild boars reclining on plinths in Bath stone composition, while another entrance features hunting hounds on plinths. Both figures are manufactured in the UK for Andy Thornton and are hand-antiqued to give a convincing aged appearance.

In the landscaped gardens, Andy Thornton supplied a magnificent set of hand-sculpted solid marble Four Seasons statues, a pair of lead Apollo and Artemis statues, a reclining lion on a plinth in aged Portland stone composition and an antique stone statue of the Virgin Mary.

Andy Thornton also supplied a lion and unicorn pair on plinths and a reading lady figure for the interior of the Fergusson building.

The statuary and sculpture has been so well received that other Durham colleges, including St Cuthbert’s have commissioned pieces from the company.

Andy Thornton offers a comprehensive range of antique and quality reproduction outdoor garden statuary and sculpture. The company also stocks decorative gazebos, pergolas, fountains, urns, planters and garden seating.