New lease of life for York House sculptures

8.22.24pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 7th Aug 2007

Photo: Twickenham museum

A major project to restore the 19th century cascade and statues in York House Gardens has been unveiled by Richmond Council.

The water feature and marble sculptures have been cleaned and repaired by a specialist contractor in a £40,000 scheme funded by the Council's Parks Improvement Programme. The figurines were steam-cleaned and loose digits were removed and re-carved in Italian Carrara marble, while the sandstone supports were repointed. Further work included the repair of a fallen column, trimming of the surrounding vegetation and tree canopy and cleaning of the front plinth. Metal fencing along the outer wall will be replaced to reinforce security. The work was undertaken in close consultation with the York House Society with advice taken from English Heritage and The Royal Palaces.

Cllr Martin Elengorn, Cabinet Member for Environment on Richmond Council, said: "York House and its gardens are a real gem and to see the cascade returned to its former glory is a splendid sight.

"The restoration work is part of the wider Parks Improvement Programme which over the last three years has transformed the borough's parks and open spaces. The project means people can continue to enjoy this beautiful setting for many years to come."