Nolli the Sculptor

        Since Nolli played such a big role in the history of the Supreme Court I shall introduce you to him. Nolli (1888-1963) was born into a family of sculptors and apprenticed in the craft. In 1913, he travelled with an uncle and cousin to Bangkok and lectured in Chulalongkorn University.         He decided to move to Singapore in 1921 after being appointed by the firm of Swanson and Sehested to produce the exterior ornamental stonework for the new Mansfield building. Skills were soon in demand for virtually every new building of importance in Singapore and many in Malaya. The manufacturing of the stone-like claddings, precast concrete columns and decorative embellishments was all done in his residence-cum-studio workshop at 47 Scotts Road. Wow! He is a such a hardworking man, bringing his job back to his own home. Nolli, I salute you again! Alas! The Supreme Court was the last colonial classical building constructed in Singapore before the inevitable came - World War Two in the Pacific. Return to the Contents Page [ Architectural Aspects | The Supreme Court Building | Interior of the Building | Nolli the Sculptor ]