Roman Altar Restoration Project
Charles Hamilton went on two Grand Tours and was greatly influenced by Italy, and by the art and antiquities. At some point, he acquired the Roman Altar as part of his collection. It was placed in the Ruined Roman Arch (previously known as the Mausoleum), and can be seen in the painting by William Hannan.
Sometime during the twentieth century, the altar was moved up to the garden at Painshill Park House. Here the altar stayed until a few years ago when the home owner, Mr Trew, offered it back to Painshill. Mr Trew had already done some investigating and sent details of the altar to the British Museum, who confirmed it was most likely to be from Iesso (hinterland of Barcelona) and dated to the reign of Trajan (AD 98-177). The Latin text on the altar was translated it as:-
“Vesonia Procula, daughter of Cnaeus, a citizen of Iesso in nearer Spain, Aged 23, lies here. Julius Natalis (set this up) to his most excellent and deserving wife”.
The British Museum information continued ‘The altar, which once contained the cremated remains of Vesonia Procula, was found in Rome, to which city Vesonia Procula evidently emigrated. It is decorated with motifs typical of early imperial funerary monuments. The garlands slung from rams’ heads are adapted from the decoration of altars in sanctuaries and signify that the chest was regarded as sacred. The eagles are adapted from imperial insignia (a common phenomenon in the early empire). On the short sides appear a jug and shallow dish, used in pouring libations to the dead. The fauna on the lower part of the chest may have been intended to evoke a more bucolic setting than metropolitan Rome. The back of the altar was evidently set against the wall of the tomb.’
A few years ago, former Painshill Head Gardener, Andy Mills, collected the altar from Painshill Park House garden, and placed it in the office, protected by layers of cardboard and blankets. The altar had suffered from being outside and several poor repairs had been done to it.
Last year, enquiries were made at the City & Guilds of London Art School, based at Vauxhall, which has BA and MA conservation courses. In June 2024, Lead Conservation Tutor, Jennifer Dinsmore ACR, visited Painshill to view the altar and later wrote “…I think that this would make an excellent project for one of our third year students for the next academic year…”
Each year, this prestigious college borrows damaged historic items (statues/picture frames/prints) from places such as the British Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, and also private owners. The items become final year conservation projects for 3rd year students. In term 1, the student researches the item and analyses the issues. In term 2, they develop and propose a method to restore and conserve the item. In term 3, if the proposal is approved by the owner, the conservation work is painstakingly undertaken and recorded. At the end of the year, the item and all the research go on display in the final degree show.
The item is then returned, with all the research, to the owner.
Earlier today, the Roman Altar made its way to the college, accompanied by Patrick (Maintenance Officer), Melanie (Marketing), and Fyfe Sands (FS Stonecarving).
Over the next few months the altar will be researched and restored. In June, it will become part of the final year show and then afterwards, be returned to Painshill.
No decision has been made yet as to where to site the altar on its return but we will keep you updated on progress.
Below is a video to show the altar on its journey to the college.
Many thanks to Painshill’s incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated Historical Consultant, Cherrill Sands, without whom, this project would not have been possible.
