Conservation Week: Medusa

Our cast of the Medusa pediment from the Temple of Artemis on Corcyra (modern-day Corfu) is in need of essential conservation work. For one week, we will be working with the team from Cliveden Conservation in the galleries to remove the cast from the wall and pack her, ready to travel for consolidation and repair off-site.

Why not stop by and watch the work? See our conservators in action and find out how we preserve our collections for future generations to enjoy.

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. The cast will be rehung with a new mounting system, purpose designed to preserve her for the future. Our plan is to rehang her in November, so watch this space.

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.

More information on accessibility