Conservation of The Shell Grotto, Margate

Abstract

We usually associate grottos with post-Renaissance European landscape garden design. However, grottos also existed in biblical and other ancient periods, as well as those of early China and early Christianity. Grottos' features may include a natural or artificial subterranean location, isolation from the outside world, a place for contemplation and private worship or a shrine to a deity. Grottos are often associated with water and water-spirits, naiads, nereids or nymphs, and are sometimes known as nymphaea. Shellwork can be an important element of their decoration. The Shell Grotto at Margate embodies some of these features. It is an artificially formed structure of unknown provenance, cut into the existing chalk and lined internally with seashells. Discovered in 1835, by 1999 the fragile structure had fallen into disrepair caused by the poor environmental conditions underground. After thorough investigations, the programme for conservation included reinforcement of the chalk bedrock, removing overlying concrete and installing land drainage, followed by internal conservation works using the methods described.