What's On

Secrets of the Cosmati Pavement Talk

26 November 2009 at 11:30 am

The Cosmati pavement at the High Altar of Westminster Abbey is an intricate mosaic floor made of marble, stone, glass and metal which was created in 1268 as the glittering centrepiece of the Abbey during its re-building by Henry III.

It is the best surviving example outside Italy of a type of mosaic stonework known as ‘Cosmati’. It is considered to be second to none in its detail, intricacy and complexity and widely regarded as one of Britain’s greatest medieval art treasures 

But since the 1870s the pavement has largely hidden from public view.
A two-year conservation programme began last year to protect its fragile surface.

Back by popular demand, Abbey conservators will hold monthly talks at the Cosmati pavement to explain the history and significance of the pavement and the conservation work that is being undertaken to restore it.

All talks are 20-minutes long with 10-minutes for questions.

Normal Abbey admission applies.