Psyche is one of over 100 statues that were specially commissioned for the re-opening of the Crystal Palace in south London, following its move from Hyde Park.

These statues once richly adorned the Terraces but now only a handful remain following a public auction of the statues in 1957 by the then London County Council.

Over the decades Psyche has become weathered, chipped and lost a number of limbs including her beautiful, delicate pair of wings.

Now, a new partnership with the Conservation Department at the City & Guilds of London Art School will see specialist cleaning and repairs undertaken to prevent further degradation to this special statue.

To allow this conservation work to take place, Psyche has been temporarily moved to the City & Guilds studio in Kennington, south London for 10 months from October 2025 to July 2026.

We'll share progress of the works over the coming months!

About City & Guilds

At City & Guilds of London Art School, Conservation is the meeting-point of science and art – a fascinating blend of state-of-the-art forensics, aesthetics and traditional craft skills. Originally established after World War II to conserve and preserve London’s bomb-damaged architectural treasures, the Conservation Department has evolved over the last 75 years and runs a range of acclaimed conservation courses at BA (Hons), Graduate Diploma and MA level, with a very high success rate of graduates going directly into employment in the conservation sector.

With thanks to the project's supporters

This conservation work is made possible thanks to a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery players, and support from Roseberys Fine Art Auctioneers.

Roseberys is a specialist fine art and antiques auction house and valuers located in the heart of South London, originally opened in the park's train station building over 30 years ago.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage. Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more. Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.