Langton Hall Gateway Carving

Stone Carving | Conservation Masonry

Following accidental damage to one of the Grade II listed entrance gate piers at Langton Hall, the workshop was commissioned to assess the condition of the historic greyhound sculpture and determine an appropriate conservation strategy. The project combined detailed condition recording with the conservation of the surviving original and the production of a hand-carved replacement, allowing the gateway to be reinstated while preserving the historic sculpture.

Assessing the Original Carving

Both greyhound sculptures were carefully examined and recorded to understand their construction, condition and significance. Although one had suffered extensive impact damage, the surviving carvings retained sufficient evidence of the original form, proportions and carved detail to inform the conservation strategy and the production of an accurate replacement.

Conservation & Replacement

The damaged sculpture was assessed to determine whether it could be repaired and safely returned to its exposed position on the gateway. While conservation of the original remained possible, the extent of the structural damage led to the recommendation that it be preserved separately, with a like-for-like replacement carved for reinstatement. This approach safeguarded the historic sculpture while restoring the architectural composition of the gateway.

Hand Carving in Limestone

The replacement greyhound was carved by hand in limestone using traditional tools and techniques. Working directly from the surviving original, careful attention was given to proportion, anatomy and surface modelling, producing a faithful architectural carving that reinstated the character and appearance of the historic gateway.