For centuries, the carved statue of Samson stood guard outside one of Norwich’s most prestigious buildings in the Tombland area of the city. There, along with his partner figure Hercules, he witnessed two World Wars and the antics of lovers and party revellers from the 30’s through to the 90’s when the building was used as a ballroom and then nightclub. However, time took its toll on this local hero who was eventually encased in layers and layers of white paint, obscuring the wonderful carving beneath.
Now, two decades after being removed from the ‘Samson and Hercules’ building for safekeeping, Samson has been restored to his former glory, and the man beneath the mask has been revealed. Curators at the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell have ambitious plans to display the beautiful oak carved figure, putting him pride of place in the museum.
They need your help to raise £15,000 to create a breathtaking new display featuring a bespoke, state of the art, environmentally controlled case. Within the case, the very fragile figure of Samson will be supported by a new custom made, conservation grade mount. What's more, specially designed lighting will enable visitors to see every curl and sinew in tantalising detail.
Meeting the highest conservation standards, this new display will not only present Samson at his very best, but more importantly, will ensure this city icon remains in peak condition for many years to come.
We want everyone to have the power to make art happen
Art Happens is the UK's only crowdfunding platform dedicated to museums and galleries, giving everyone the power to make art happen. If you have any questions or need help donating, contact us on 0844 415 4100 or email arthappens@artfund.org
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Showing Samson
By Jenny Caynes
Samson has returned to store and is reunited with his partner Hercules... Read moreSamson is saved!
By Jenny Caynes
Our campaign is fully funded and has actually exceeded its target!... Read more
Our final push to bring Samson home
By Jenny Caynes
Time is running out for our Biblical hero. Can you help?... Read moreSamson's return to store
By Jenny Caynes
This week there has been an exciting development in Samson’s journey, as he was transported from London to our off-site store. Read more... Read more
Exclusive rewards as a thank you
By Jenny Caynes
As a big thank you for helping us save Samson, we have a brilliant selection of exclusive rewards for our donors... Read moreSamson and the friendly invasion
By Jenny Caynes
In this update, we explain how ‘The Samson and Hercules’ club played its part in the war effort in World War Two... Read more
Meet the Artist - Leanda Jaine
By Jenny Caynes
In this update, we speak to artist Leanda Jaine who has created the exclusive design for the Samson tote, laser etched illustration and prints. and get the low down on her career, influences and her personal connection to Samson... Read moreSamson's new home
By Jenny Caynes
Today we share why our special Samson statue needs a state of the art display case... Read more
Samson emerges from 60 layers of paint
By Jenny Caynes
In this update, we explore the fascinating Samson conservation work undertaken at Plowden and Smith's conservation studio in London... Read moreSamson, Hercules and me.
By Jenny Caynes
Conservator, Cathy Proudlove, explains how she discovered Samson’s amazing secret and her quest to preserve him... Read more
Introducing Samson - the star of the show
By Jenny Caynes
Why we need you to be part of the special story of Samson... Read moreFive great reasons to help Save Samson
By Jenny Caynes
We've launched our Save Samson campaign! Here are five great reasons to donate... Read more
With thanks to...
John Fisher
Norwich
Sally Wilson-Town
Norwich
Elizabeth Pierce
NORWICH
Ben Gill-Davis
Norwich
Wendy Booth
Coventry
Catherine Birch
London
Laurence Buck
Norwich
James Hopgood
Diss
Anonymous
Anonymous
Molly Watson
Norwich
Anonymous
Sarah Salmon
Norwich
Chris Moore
Norwich
Paul Bassham Charitable Trust
Norwich
Geoffrey Watling Charity
Norwich
Tracey Bagshaw
Norwich
Alison Treacy
Norwich
Anonymous
Matthew Dye
Mulbarton
Diane Davis
Attleborough
Sarah Pettegree
Dereham
Jessica Goldfinch
Norwich
Anonymous
Andrew Brown
Norwich
James Deacon
Norwich
Jennifer Hooker
NORWICH
Sean & Anna Glynn
Great Yarmouth
Serena Woodcock
Norwich
Sophie Day
Norwich
Richard Laxen
Aylsham
Steve Miller
Norwich
Joanne Sear
Cambridge
Philip Matless
Norwich
Anonymous
Freda Mary Wilkins-Jones
Norwich
Rosalind Palmer
Norwich
Etta Holgate-Carruthers
Norwich
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Charlotte Wood
London
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ADRIAN HENNESSY
Norwich
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Donald Barnett
Norwich
Tom Downs
Norwich
Maresa Padmore
Norwich
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Pernille Rudlin
Norwich
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Martin Klinge
Norwich
Philip Houghton
Lubbock
Diana Giles (nee Cubitt)
Norwich
John Wicks
Norwich
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Norwich
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Chelmsford
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Norwich
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Norwich
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Norwich
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Norwich
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