Missing Urn of Buxton's Slopes reinstated

The urn, one of twelve of the Grade II* listed ornaments, which was removed several years ago due to safety concerns, has been reinstated in its original location after the High Peak Borough Council commissioned stone specialists to carve a new urn to replace the damaged one.

High Peak Borough Council and Historic England have funded the replacement as part of Buxton's High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) project.

UK Restoration Services was appointed to replace the urn and, with specialists Whitaker Stone Ltd, have carved a new urn from Bath stone to match the missing urn exactly. Bench Architects, conservation-accredited architects based in Buxton, oversaw the project.

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Leisure and Tourism, said:

"The urns are central to the character of the historic Slopes, so it's great news that the missing one has been replaced.

"The stone masons have done a terrific job of carving the new urn to match the existing ones exactly, and there are a couple of great timelapse videos on our YouTube channel which show these skilled craftspeople at work.

"Attracting people to Buxton is essential if our businesses and high street are to thrive, which is why the cultural elements of this project are so important.

"We're delighted with the replacement urn, which has now been restored to its rightful place. It completes the Slopes and ensures the essential nature of this lovely area of Buxton is preserved for many more years to come."

The large stone urns, carved around 1750, were originally from Lord Burlington's Londesborough estate in Yorkshire and were moved to Buxton in the 1800s when the Slopes were laid out.

Tim Allen, Historic England Development Advice Team Leader, said:

"It's not just about recreating the urn itself and restoring the character of the Slopes - it's also about bringing these craft skills to the people of Buxton.

"As part of the UK Government supported Buxton High Street Heritage Action Zone, Historic England was delighted to assist High Peak Borough Council in funding the restoration of the missing urn.

"The Slopes are a draw for locals and visitors alike - the draw that supports the jobs and businesses around Spring Gardens - work like this restores the historic character and quality of public gardens and helps secure economic prosperity."

As well as replacing the urn, the HSHAZ project is providing grant funding to support the repair and reinstatement of historic shop fronts in the main commercial area of the town centre alongside a diverse cultural and educational programme to celebrate the high street.