WILFUL DESTRUCTION OF THE CELEBRATED PORTLAND VASE.

Auckland Times, Volume 3, Issue 143, 4 October 1845, Page 4

WILFUL DESTRUCTION OF THE CELEBRATED PORTLAND VASE.

Our readers and the public generally will be much grieved to learn that the well known splendid specimen of Greek art known as the Portland vase (former!)/ the Barberini vase), which adorned the centre of the ante-room adjoining- the apartments containing the collection of Sir W, Hamilton, has been irreparably broken by a miscreant who visited the Museum yesterday afternoon. It appears from the information we have been enabled to obtain through the courtesy of Sir Henry Ellis, (he principal librarian, that the Museum was open to the public yesterday as usual. About a quarter before 4 o'clock several persons were in the Hamiltonian room, as well as in the ante-room, viewing the various specimens of ancient art. The attention of the visitors was, about the time specified, attracted from their agreeable pursuit by hearing a loud crash, and on hastening to ascertain the cause, they found that which was the "admired of all admirers" in that department of the Museum, scattered in fragments about the floor. The consternation was great, every one fearing lest he might be considered a participator in the demolition. No one attempted to leave the apartments; and if they had, they would have been frustrated, for no sooner was the sound heard on the out* side of the rooms than the doors were immediately closed. Mr, Hawkins, who has the superintendence of that department, then questioned the persons in the apartments, all of whom gave satisfactory answers until the delinquent himself was taxed, when he at once acknowledged that he had done the mischief. He was immediately given into custody, and conveyed to Bow-street station, and afterwards underwent a partial examination before Mr. Jardine. He refused to give his name, or any account of himself; but it was subsequently ascertained that he had been living at a coffee-house in Long acre, and that his name is William Loyd, a native of Dublin.

When taken into custody the prisoner was found to have ouly 9d. in his possession ; and it is therefore assumed that his only motive for committing the wanton destruction of this ancient and national relic was a morbid desire of notoriety, strengthened, no doubt by straightened circumstances. In this, however, the delinquent is too likely to be disappointed; for it is a question whether a magistrate has the power to do more than inflict a fine of £5, or three months' imprisonment. The loss to the Museum and to the world generally it is impossible to supply. The vase was valued at £IOOO by the authorities of the establishment, but of course this sum is merely nominal. It was deposited in the British Museum in the year 1810 by his Grace the Duke of Portland, and has always been considered to be his property, hence the name of the '* Portland Vase.'* It was found about the middle of the 16th century about two miles and a half from Rome, in the road leading from Frascati, At the time of its discovery (so says the synopsis) it was enclosed in a marble sarcophagus within a sepulchral chamber, under the Mount called Monte di Grano. The material of which the vase was tormed was glass; the figures, which were in relief, were of a beautiful opaque white, and the ground was in perfect harmony with the figures, and was of a beautiful dark transparent blue. The subject of the figures has hitherto remained in obscurity, but the design and sculpture were truly admirable. This unique ornament was for more than two centuries the principal subject of admiration in the Barberini Palace. It was purchased about 30 years ago by the Duchess of Portland from Sir William Hamilton, and in the year above named was deposited in the British Museum for the gratification of the public. Some gentlemen who were in the rooms at the time of the demolition, have given their names, and will be present at the

further examination of the prisoner on Tuesday next. It is gratifying to know that no officer of the establishment can be in the slightest degree responsible for the act. The prisoner evidently watched his opportunity, as no one was in the apartment, or ante room, at the moment when the mischief was done. His Grace the Duke of Portland has been written to on the subject, but nothing can compensate for the loss. It is understood there is a fac simile in existence of this superb specimen of ancient art, which can, however, only serve to refresh the memory of those who have had the good fortune to view the original,— Times.