The following images show some of the most interesting vessels before, during and after treatment. We hope that this will demonstrate how effective the conservation process has been and will illustrate the re-interpretation of some of the vessels.

Winterbourne Stoke

The lower half of this vessel is missing. When it was reconstructed the angles of the vessel walls suggested that it was shorter than originally thought.

Bishopstone Urn

The previous restoration of the vessel had covered over decoration in the interior of the vessel. A raised cross, made from clay bands with fingertip impressions, can be seen on the inside of the base.

Wilsford Urn

This is the first time that the vessel has been reconstructed. It had been partially reconstructed in the past and then later unsuitable restorations removed. The vessel proved to be taller than published illustrations suggested.

Bowerchalke Barrel Urn

The profile of the vessel was significantly improved as a result of this reconstruction. The previous restorer had started working from the rim down and the base up in two separate sections. This resulted in a bulge where the two sections did not meet. This can be seen below on the concrete fill removed from inside the urn.

Ebbesbourne Wake

The profile of this vessel is much improved.

Beckhampton

The lower half of the vessel consists almost completely of reconstruction. The old cement restoration was too short and shapeless.

Temple Bottom - 2 vessels

These sherds were reconstructed for the first time.

Ogbourne St Andrew

These sherds were reconstructed for the first time.

Bishops Cannings

The previous restoration had built over a terracotta flower pot and so the vessel was originally thought to be a bucket urn. When reconstructed it proved to be a conical urn.

The urn before conservation        The urn during conservation     The urn after conservation

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