The Eagle Slayer Returns to Coalbrookdale

Join Diana Heath, Senior Metals Conservator at the V&A Museum, for a talk about the rescue, repair & restoration of the Eagle Slayer sculpture by John Bell, which was made by the Coalbrookdale Foundry to be shown at the Great Exhibition, Hyde Park in 1851.

It was one of the earliest examples in the UK of cast iron being used to create a large work of art, instead of a functional object. The dramatic subject is of a young shepherd avenging the killing of one of his sheep by shooting the attacking eagle using a bow and arrow. Described at the time by the London Illustrated News ‘as the finest statue in the Exhibition.’

After 150 years of outdoor exposure and several moves, the sculpture was in urgent need of rescue, repair and conservation. Diana oversaw the project and will present the story of the chequered history of the sculpture, the research and conservation stages involved, resulting in the re-display of the Eagle Slayer and its’ recent return to the place of origin. 

6pm - doors open
7pm - Talk
7.45pm - Q&A

The talk will be in the Engine Shop, Coalbrookdale.

Tickets are in advance only and available below.