Lost Treasures revisited – South Front treasures

2 December 2015

We continue our look back at the Lost Treasures of Stowe campaign.

9 September 2013

Our very exciting news is that the original 1790s lead Medici lions that were sold in 1922 (to John Magee who gifted them to Blackpool Corporation (now Council), have returned to the South Front steps.

As part of the restoration of the South Front by Stowe House Preservation Trust, copies of the original copper urns (sold at the same time) now adorn the 30 piers of the balustrade surrounding the parterres in front of the main mansion.

Since 1922, the lead lions have resided in Stanley Park, in Blackpool, but it was felt that they were becoming rather vulnerable. Blackpool Council have very kindly lent the lions to Stowe House Preservation Trust on a long-term lease and we have had copies made to return to Stanley Park. They look as though they’ve never been away!