The Orpheus Pavement auction at Chorley's

A reconstruction of the great Orpheus Pavement will go on sale at Chorley’s in Gloucestershire this June, with bidders expected to come from far and wide.

A reconstruction of the Orpheus Pavement, described as one of the most significant archaeological projects of recent times, will go under the hammer this Thursday 24 June 2010 – in what is a highly-anticipated summer sale at Chorley’s in Gloucestershire.

The Roman period was one of great prosperity for Britain – and Gloucestershire – with large settlements developing around Gloucester and Cirencester. Great villas erected include one at Woodchester near Stroud, which included a phenomenal 60 rooms – 20 of which boasting mosaic floors, including the large hall which contained the great Orpheus Pavement.

The mosaic depicts one of the most important figures in Greek mythology, Orpheus, with his lyre, hunting dog and a myriad of beasts around him – including a tiger, leopard, lion and elephant.

The remains of the original pavement were periodically uncovered and open to members of the public, and during the last opening in 1973 brothers Bob and John Woodward became spellbound with the work. Fearing another uncovering might never take place after more than 150,000 visitors flocked to see the mosaic, they decided to make a full-scale reconstruction.

Following a breathtaking amount of research, honing their skills and meticulous work, 10 years later the mosaic was completed – and even gets a mention in the Guinness Book of Records under the ‘largest mosaic’ entry:

‘The largest Roman mosaic in Britain is the Woodchester Pavement, Gloucestershire of cAD 325, excavated in 1793, now re-covered with protective earth. It measures 47ft / 14.3m square comprising 1.5 million tesserae. A brilliant total reconstruction was carried out by Robert and John Woodward in 1973 to 1982’.

Made from 1.6 million pieces of small, hand-cut clay blocks, don’t miss the Chorley’s auction for a chance of owning the stunning 2,200 square foot Woodward brothers’ reconstruction for yourself. An estimate can be provided upon request.