A pair of lead eagles have welcomed visitors to Mapperton at the front of the Tudor/Jacobean manor for over three hundred years. In the style of the Le Nôtre, the celebrated landscape architect of Louis XIV, the eagles are the centrepiece of the courtyard and probably the most iconic & memorable feature of the west facade. In fact, if we had to choose a single symbol for Mapperton it would probably be our eagles.
But alas they are no longer on their pillars. Last year a severe storm caused one to fall over, and we soon discovered that both were in fact falling apart and in dire need of repair.
We have taken the eagles to Mike White (https://www.mikewhiteltd.com), one of the few people in the UK who can repair such an important piece. Mike has worked on numerous important lead restoration projects, including at Exeter Cathedral and Hestercombe Gardens.
Mike has determined that both eagles need to be taken apart, a new internal frame created and then they need to be completely rebuilt around the new frame. He will need to carve new detailing of the feathers and scales into the lead, before mounting on a new stone plinth. Molten lead will then need to be poured around the mounting bolts to fix in position. Lastly Darren, our stonemason, says the that the stone pillars need repairing and rebuilding in places in order to support the restored eagles.
The total estimated cost of the project is £25,000. Unfortunately this cost is unforeseen and cannot be funded through Mapperton's very limited repair budget.
Mapperton would therefore be very grateful for your support for the restoration of our iconic eagles. These eagle are a very important part of our shared heritage, and are listed Grade II* - the second highest - with Historic England. You can see the listing here: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1215500
All donations, whatever size, will be enormously appreciated to help get the eagles repaired and back on their plinths.
*All donations of £200 (approximately $250) and above will have the name of the donor included on a metal plaque to be mounted on the pillar - a timeless recognition at Mapperton of your support.*
*All donors at any level will receive a signed digital certificate recognising your support of Mapperton's eagles.*
Thank you!
Luke & Julie Montagu Viscount & Viscountess Hinchingbrooke
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