Pedestal With Statue Of Mercury In Melbourne Hall Gardens

The pedestal with the statue of Mercury is located in Melbourne Hall Gardens and dates to around 1700. It was created by the sculptor Jan van Nost as part of a French style garden designed by the Royal Gardeners, London and Wise, for Thomas Coke of Melbourne Hall. The pedestal is made of stone and lead and features a panelled design with a moulded base and cornice on a stepped square plinth. Atop the pedestal is the lead statue of Mercury in flight. The figure has his right arm raised high, holding a winged rod with intertwined serpents in his left hand. He is adorned with a winged helmet and ankle pieces, standing on the forehead of a cherub that appears to be blowing wind. The structure is included in the Derbyshire Historic Gardens Register at Grade I.