November 2008

Matthew Boulton monument conserved in readiness for 2009

John Flaxman’s memorial to Matthew Boulton (1728-1809) in St Mary’s Church, Handsworth, is being conserved in readiness for the 200th Anniversary of Boulton’s death next year.
The marble monument to Boulton was commissioned by his son in 1810. It was undertaken by John Flaxman (1755-1826), one of the most gifted sculptors of his day. Flaxman had originally worked as a designer for Boulton and also the potter Josiah Wedgwood, and was responsible for another commemorative bust of Boulton now on display at Soho House Museum.
The work to the memorial is being carried out by conservation specialist Veronika Vlkova Antoniou and is being funded by Birmingham City Council.