Roman mosaic installed in new visual arts building
BBC News Essex
3 March 2011
The installation of the mosaic into a recess in
the building floor will take three-and-a-half weeks
The Berryfield mosaic which was first unearthed in 1923 was removed
from its home in Colchester Castle in September 2010 for renovation.
Conservationists had to remove the 4.2m sq mosaic in nine sections
in order for it to fit through the castle door.
The mosaic will form part of the floor of the new firstsite
building, where it will be covered by toughened glass.
Buckinghamshire-based Cliveden Conservation was commissioned by
firstsite in partnership with Colchester and Ipswich museum service
to restore and clean the mosaic.
The work also involved replacing the backing with a modern lightweight
solution. A £50,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund made
the work possible.
"By returning the mosaic to its original location, within
the wonderful surroundings of the firstsite building, more people
will have the chance to enjoy this important local heritage treasure
- both now and for generations to come," said Robyn Llewellyn,
head of Heritage Lottery Fund for the East of England.
The mosaic will be the only permanent display in the new firstsite
building which is scheduled to open later in 2011.
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