1 week Ago
AN iconic golden lion decorated with 24 carat gold leaf has been 'painted over', angering heritage champions and conservation experts alike. The gilded golden lion on the former Costa and Golden Lion pub at 31 Worcester High Street has been painted over with dull gold paint as critics say the animal has 'lost his lustre'. Two roundels on either side of the lion have also been painted over in the same colour on the building, home of a celebrated Civil War era death mask.
Phil Douce, chairman of Worcester Civic Society, is already fighting tooth and claw to get the majestic lion carving restored to its former glory saying the decision 'beggars belief'. Mr Douce said the lion needed to be restored on the Grade II listed building as soon as possible as it was an important part of the heritage and fabric of the city. Before the lion was painted over, the gold leaf would 'shine in the sun' in a similar way to the gilding on the Guildhall gates opposite, Mr Douce said.
ROARSOME: But the golden lion has lost its lustre after 24 carat gold leaf was 'painted over' at the former Costa Coffee in Worcester High Street (Image: James Connell/Newsquest photos) The alarm was raised by Will Scott, the historic buildings conservation officer for Worcester City Council between 1978 and 2006, who was responsible for the repair of the golden lion in the 1980s. He said: "The council opposed the loss of the pub but the developer won the change of use to a shop on appeal. This was on condition of the restoration of the historic building.
FLASHBACK: The gilded lion before it was painted over which was said to 'shine in the sun' by Phil Douce, chairman of Worcester Civic Society (Image: NQ) "While the lion has had much work done to it, regrettably losing some of its attitude, it should still be properly gilded. "Gold leaf 24 carat will last 40-50 years at least, gold paint will fade in a few months. Everyone should be concerned about this and other irreplaceable pieces of our historic city.
" Phil Douce, chairman of Worcester Civic Society, said whoever painted over the lion should be 'taken to task'. He said: "You don't paint over gold leaf. We have got to get that paint stripped off and redone in gold leaf.
I'm angry about it. This is beyond belief." Paul Harding of Discover History, who has written extensively about the lion and the history of the building, said: "It's great to see work being done on such a lovely building in the centre of Worcester.
It will be great to see it occupied too. "An empty building will always deteriorate. When work is done on such a period building, it is essential that it follows advice from experts.
"Work on windows, ironwork, or painting, for example, must be done carefully to ensure damage is not caused. "Our past is very fragile, and to ensure future generations see it, we must do things right." A spokesperson for Worcester City Council said: “The city council is aware of concerns about the current state of the historic lion carving on the former Costa building in High Street and we are looking into the matter.
” RECOMMENDED READING: Closed Costa Coffee and Golden Lion pub: death mask talks RECOMMENDED READING: Old Costa Coffee death mask concerns over 'lack of access' RECOMMENDED READING: Watch Asparagus Festival: Saint George, Morris men and classic cars We have made efforts to contact the owners for more information about what happened. Although it has a Georgian exterior, the building dates back to medieval times and is a fine example of a Merchant’s House. Inside is what is believed to be the original death mask of William Guise, located in the old passage outside.
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