How do I care for alabaster figures?

Keep alabaster sculptures indoors away from damp conditions and direct sunlight. Dust them gently with a dry, soft cloth without using water or cleaning agents. Because alabaster is a softer stone, it scratches and absorbs moisture easily. Proper placement protects the surface texture and prevents permanent staining.

Can garden statues stay outside in winter?

Cast stone and reconstituted stone garden figures generally withstand outdoor conditions, but severe frost can crack vulnerable extremities. Lifting statues onto paving slabs keeps them away from standing winter moisture. Covering delicate pieces or moving them into a greenhouse or shed during freezing weather extends their lifespan significantly.

What is the difference between marble and alabaster?

Marble is a hard, crystalline metamorphic rock that resists scratching and suits both indoor and outdoor placement. Alabaster is a softer sulphate mineral with a waxy translucency that dissolves in water. Library busts and architectural carvings utilise marble for durability, while indoor portrait heads often employ alabaster for its delicate light-gathering qualities.

How do I date a stone figure?

Examine the material composition, tooling marks, and stylistic revival cues such as art deco geometric lines or Victorian neoclassical drapery. Patina and weathering also offer clues to age, especially on garden ornaments. Signatures, foundry marks, or inscriptions on the base help narrow down the decade of production and the originating workshop.