More than 20 years since having their heads and limbs stolen by vandals, an historic statue has been restored to its former glory.
Venus the Goddess of Love, with her child Cupid, were returned to Morden Hall Park after being lifted thirty metres onto an island in the River Wandle, using a 100 tonne crane.
Venus and Cupid were removed for restoration by the National Trust in the late 1980s after their heads were decapitated and three out of four arms stolen.
The head and legs were never recovered and new ones were re-carved by Cliveden Conservation.
Simon Cranmer, deputy project manager at Morden Hall Park, said: “We believe these statues will bring visitors much pleasure and reinforce the historic nature of the Park.
“Visitors wanting to view the statues should pass through the side of the Rose Garden furthest from Morden Cottage.”
Venus and Cupid joins a statue of Neptune, which has also been returned after restoration.
The statues are 18th century, listed grade II in 1954 and carved from Portland stone by an unknown sculptor.
Admission to Morden Hall Park is free. For more information call 020 8545 6850.
Do you remember when the statue was vandalised? Leave a comment below, call 020 8722 6335 or email: ooakes@london.newsquest.co.uk.
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