Sphinx And Pedestal On South Side Of Waterfall At East End Of Lake

The Sphinx and pedestal, located on the south side of the waterfall at the east end of the Lake in Studley Park, date to around 1727 and are likely the work of John Simpson for John Aislabie. The pedestal is made of ashlar and supports a limestone figure, which stands approximately 1.5 metres tall. The pedestal features a moulded profile, while the figure is robustly proportioned, with a weathered head adorned with a light head-dress. Historical records indicate that John Simpson was creating pillars for sphinxes in 1727, although he may not have been responsible for the statues themselves. Sphinxes were also placed on the Cascade at the entrance to the Lake and flanked the Drum Falls on the Canal; some of these may have been removed from the top of Mackershaw Gate in 1970 and are currently in storage.