Ex-Studley Royal Jupiter to go on display
NEW light has been cast on a rediscovered bust of a Roman God that was once a prized exhibit at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
Latest research by English Heritage has revealed that the 1,800-year-old bust of Jupiter, kept under lock and key in North Yorkshire, is a long sought-after treasure from a celebrated 17th century collection.
The marble figure, which stands one-metre high, depicts the Father of the Gods, but its origins have been shrouded in mystery for decades.
Now in the care of English Heritage at its archaeological store in Helmsley, the newly identified work is about to begin a long process of conservation.
on show
But before then curators have taken off the covers and are putting the bust on show to the public as one of the highlights of a series of free tours at the facility, which is normally off-limits to the public.
The bust was probably brought to England from Italy and became part of the Earl of Arundel's famous collection of antiquities from the classical world, first documented in 1616.
The collection became dispersed later in the 17th century, but 100 years later the bust fell into the hands of John Aislabie, an MP and wealthy owner of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, near Ripon.
It may have taken pride of place in the Temple of Jupiter on the Studley Royal estate, adding a touch of authenticity to the 18th century folly.
verified
The find has been verified by Prof Michael Vickers, from Oxford University, who is Senior Assistant Keeper of The Ashmolean Museum, Oxford which holds the largest collection of Arundel marbles.
Susan Harrison, English Heritage Curator, said: "The condition of the bust is pretty good, but it does need cleaning and further research.
"Because it's mentioned in 17th century records, experts knew it existed, but they have searched for it in vain amongst the world's collections of antiquities. But here it was all along, safe and sound and waiting to be rediscovered.
further work
"We plan to do further work to determine the type of marble which will give us an indication of where in the Roman world it is originally from. It really is an impressive piece."
The Helmsley store is home to more than 800,000 artefacts, from prehistoric flints to 20th century church fittings, and boasts the largest collection in Western Europe of carved medieval monastic stone.
Artefacts are kept safe in optimum conditions, while also allowing scholars from across the world access to the remarkable collection.
This year's free public tours will take place at 11am, 1pm and 3pm on the following dates: April 21, May 26, June 23, July 21, August 25, September 22 and October 20. Bookings can be made from Monday at the Helmsley Castle Tourist Information Centre, telephone 01439 770442.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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