John Van Nost Ostriches
29th May 2009
One Ostrich has now completed its restoration and there is a series of photographs on the page below.
These two large Ostriches date from the 1720's and are works by the younger Van Nost. They have been placed in various positions around the gardens over the years and in their current poor state of repair were displayed in the conservatory.
As part of the HLF funding these statues are being restored to their former glory and will be put on display in the new heritage centre on return to Myddelton House.
The photographs on this page will show the story of their restoration and we hope to update them on a regular basis.
Current position
The Ostriches in their current position before removal to workshop. On 18th February the ground was explored to see the extent of the concrete base to decide how easy it will be to remove them.
The second Ostrich in the current position
Leaving Myddelton House 20th February 2009
On Friday 20th February the Ostriches left Myddelton House to go the the workshop for repair. The work is expected to be completed sometime in May.
The following series of photos are of removal and transport to the workshop.
Removing the concrete base on the second Ostrich
The first Ostrich is carefully removed from the conservatory
Carefully placed on a car tyre and carpet for transportation
Placed on another tyre, this one's neck was so badly damaged the head was removed
Both safely loaded on to the lorry ready to go back to the workshop
Steel armature being put into Ostrich
Ostrich feet being repaired in the workshop
Ostrich having back replaced
Ostrich being put back together
Ostrich repair in workshop
First Ostrich complete May 2009