Sphinx And Pedestal On North Side Of Waterfall At The Lake

The Sphinx and pedestal, located on the north side of the waterfall at the east end of The Lake in Studley Park, date to around 1727. They were likely created by John Simpson for John Aislabie. The pedestal is made of ashlar and supports a limestone figure, with an overall height of approximately 1.5 metres. The pedestal features a moulded profile, while the figure is robustly proportioned, with a weathered head adorned with a light head-dress. Historical records from the Studley Estate indicate that John Simpson was working on 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; the latter sphinxes were likely removed from the top of Mackershaw Gate in 1970 and are currently in storage.