A pair of ancient Roman pillars with associated carved stone capitals, the plain columns 229cm high, the capitals 39cm high
Provenance:Originally from Crowther of Syon House these columns were given to Sir Roy Strong by his friend Joan Griffiths. In a 2010 article in Country Life he said "I've called them the Pillars of Hercules, the boundaries of the antique world and later the emblem of the Emperor Charles V, signalling that his empire had, through the acquisition of the New World, shattered those boundaries." See Roy Strong Diaries, 2004 - 2015, volume 3 PP 110-112
Sold for £4,200
A pair of ancient Roman pillars with associated carved stone capitals, the plain columns 229cm high, the capitals 39cm high
Originally from Crowther of Syon House these columns were given to Sir Roy Strong by his friend Joan Griffiths. In a 2010 article in Country Life he said "I've called them the Pillars of Hercules, the boundaries of the antique world and later the emblem of the Emperor Charles V, signalling that his empire had, through the acquisition of the New World, shattered those boundaries." See Roy Strong Diaries, 2004 - 2015, volume 3 PP 110-112
These are not positioned upright but an image has been uploaded that may help establish scale. Both columns are set in a large concrete block for stability. Each has a rod to secure the associated stone capital in place. Both have roughness and fissures to the surface. One has two surface sections removed neatly, perhaps an old repair that has fallen out. One capital has been chipped. These have been outside for a long time and the surface weathering reflects this. Viewing recommended.
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Auction: Modern Art & Design | The Laskett, 2nd Jun, 2026
Viewing
Sunday 31 May | 10am -4pm
Monday 1 June | 9am - 4pm