“Threatened species returns to Downhill”

Here are the latest happenings here at Cliveden Conservation.

“Threatened species returns to Downhill”

These two (lynx-like) sculptures of Ounces topping the gate piers to the Downhill estate were badly decayed. The restoration project involved the removal, conservation and return of the fragments of the sculptures, the carving of two new Ounces, and remounting these on the gate piers. There was also the preparation of the plinths prior to …

‘‘Cold comfort on the Cliveden Estate’’

All the statuary and decorative stonework at Cliveden, and many of the fountains and gates, is regularly maintained by a strong team of volunteers and estate personnel. They help to clean and protect the collection against England’s changing winter weather. Cliveden Conservation’s head office is in the estate’s grounds and we advise and train these …

‘‘All hail Caesar at Hever’’

We have recently begun a seven year project to conserve Hever Castle’s large collection of classical statuary and sculpture which dates from Roman times through to the Renaissance. The statues, urns, sarcophagi, well-heads and columns were brought to Hever between 1903 by collector of antiquities, William Waldorf Astor, when he was an American representative in …

‘‘Greater gaiety for the Fountain of Love’’

This fountain, known as the Fountain of Love, is located on the Cliveden Estate, Berkshire. Cleaning and conservation had been carried out on this fountain before, but not to this extent. The frost damage to the Sienna marble shell was extensive and required immediate attention to avoid further problems. Lichen growth had covered the figures …