A historic garden has recently unveiled a replica of a long-lost statue, marking a significant restoration effort. The Statue of Fidelity, dating back to the 19th century, was believed to have vanished during the garden's neglect in the 1970s. The Shuttleworth Trust, in collaboration with the Friends of the Swiss Garden, brought the statue back to life, creating a faithful replica. This follows their successful restoration of the Diana of Gabii statue in January 2025, which was thought to have been damaged or stolen in the same period. The original Fidelity statue's history remains shrouded in mystery, with limited information available about its duration at the garden or its fate. The Trust is appealing to the public for any insights, emphasizing their eagerness to uncover more details about this artwork. The Swiss Garden, a Regency gem in Bedfordshire, boasts 13 listed pieces and has been meticulously preserved since its creation in the 1820s by Robert Henley, Lord of Ongley. The garden's public accessibility began in 1981, thanks to Bedfordshire County Council's lease and Heritage Lottery funding, which facilitated further restoration in 2012. The Friends of the Swiss Gardens, established in 1992, has been instrumental in supporting and fundraising for the site, especially after the garden's 200th anniversary in 2024, when they initiated the reinstatement of statues. This initiative aims to bring back the garden's original splendor, ensuring its historical significance is preserved for future generations.
