The bust of Sir Joseph Paxton, the Victorian designer of the Crystal Palace and the park, has been relocated to its original location on the Italian Terraces, as part of ongoing regeneration works.
The bust had been moved in recent weeks from its prior location across the path at the bottom of the Terraces, and has now been lifted onto a new plinth on the Terraces.
The Italian Terraces are the stone steps at the top of the park near where the Crystal Palace once stood, which are also being restored as part of ongoing restoration works. The Terraces remain closed to park visitors until this phase of works completes this summer.
This relocation of the bust follows the earlier restoration and careful steam cleaning of the bust late last year. This forms part of the ongoing multi-million-pound phase of the Crystal Palace Park Regeneration Plan that is being co-delivered by Bromley Council and Crystal Palace Park Trust.
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, said: “Sir Joseph Paxton’s vision for Crystal Palace Park has been central in guiding our regeneration plan. This is why we have relocated the bust to the top of the park in its original location, to proudly overlook the park as we complete its regeneration, in recognition of his incredible legacy. The bust will be visible for residents at the Italian Terraces when they reopen after we complete this transformative phase of works this summer.”
Victoria Pinnington, CEO of Crystal Palace Park Trust, said: “We’re delighted that the visionary founder of this beloved and special park will once again preside over his landscape.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London and South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It’s wonderful to see Sir Joseph Paxton returned to his original vantage point overlooking the park he so brilliantly designed. Thanks to National Lottery players, this significant investment in Crystal Palace Park is helping to restore its historic features, celebrate its remarkable heritage and ensure it can be enjoyed by communities now and for generations to come.”
The current phase of the regeneration plan is being supported by various partners, including a £5m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The works are being carried out by partner contractors Maylim, and details plans were developed by a team of specialist consultants led by HTA Design.
The park remains open to all visitors during the works, with necessary information for visitors, including footpath redirection, being provided by Crystal Palace Park Trust, who became custodians of the park in 2023.
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For media enquiries, please contact James George, Senior Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk.