PURE GOLD

Ellesmere Guardian, Volume LVI, Issue 41, 24 May 1935, Page 4

PURE GOLD

EFFIGY OF BLACK PRINCE,

(From the Guardian's Special Corres-

pondent—By Air Mail)

LONDON, May 4

The famous life-size black effigy of the Black Prince over his tomb in Canterbury Cathedral, seen by almost every visitor from the Dominions, has been found to be of pure gold. For centuries the statue has been black. It seemed appropriate, and nobody questioned it. Three weeks ago it was cleaned. Centuries of grime and a coating of protective enamel were delicately removed under the direction of Professor E. W. Tristram. A most beautifully wrought effigy in pure gold on a foundation of bronze was revealed. It is in almost perfect preservation and is one of the most wonderful examples of fourteenth century craftsmanship in existence.

It is nearly 550 years since the tomb was built, yet it could scarcely be more beautiful if it had been made last week. MThe most magnificent tomb in England," is Professor Tristram's description.

"We clean the cathedral regularly," the Dean of Canterbury said, "but for some reason, I really don't know why, it never occurred to anybody to clean the Black Prince. Now that we have done so everybody is delighted, and we are having a great many visitors. The tomb is one of the most lovely monuments in the world. Its value is incalculable."