Conservation Week: Medusa, the Return

Tue 10 December 2019 - Fri 13 December 2019

Museum of Classical Archaeology

In September, we removed our cast of the Medusa pediment from the Temple of Artemis on Corcyra (modern-day Corfu) for essential conservation work. Now it's time for her to come home, with fresh repairs and a new mounting system courtesy of the team at Cliveden Conservation to ensure that she remains in place for future generations to enjoy.

Why not stop by and watch the work as she goes back up on the wall? See our conservators in action and find out how we are committed to preserving our collections. The museum will be open from 10am - 5pm although work might not be happening or visible at all times.

Taking care of a large cast like the Medusa is a challenge. Plaster casts are often considered to be inert, but our cast is showing the effects of time. We are rolling out a programme of improvements to preserve our collection of historical casts, so this is just the start.

About the cast

Our cast of the Medusa pediment was purchased in 1930, ten years after the temple and its sculptures were discovered - but our catalogue doesn't preserve the details of who made the cast, or where we got it from. It's a bit of a mystery. However, we are probably one of very few cast collections to have this cast. Certainly, our cast is the only one in the UK.

About the original

The Temple of Artemis at Corcyra is the earliest known example of sculptural decoration carved in stone from the Greek world. The central group, repeated on both sides (although only very fragmentarily preserved on one side), features a huge 3m+ figure of a grimacing Medusa, mid-run and ready to turn those who look upon her to stone.

Access

Access to the Museum will not be affected, either through the main entrance or via the step-free access.However, access to Bay A will be restricted, since this is the area we will be working in. We kindly ask that visitors do not breach the barriers.

Cost: Free