Ashes urn: X-rays confirm crack

Date released: 21 December 2002

X-ray images, taken on Friday 20th December, have provided important new information about the condition of the 120 year-old Ashes urn.

In particular, they show the extent of the crack, in the stem between the main body of the urn and its foot, which recently caused the cancellation of the urn's planned 2002/3 trip to Australia.

Once the necessary repairs have been carried out, in the New Year, it is hoped that displays in Australia can be rescheduled.

Although the crack is at least 75 years old, MCC has been advised, by independent conservation experts, that restoration work needs to begin soon, due to the degeneration of the adhesive that was used as part of the original repair.