Why this mysterious stone carving could be worth thousands

By Bradley Stokes via SWNS

A mysterious stone carving discovered at the bottom of a garden with possible links to a town's controversial "Black's Head" race row could fetch thousands at auction.

The stone head carved with two faces either side - one with a frown and one with a smile - was found 28 years ago covered in brambles in a garden in Ashbourne, Derbys, England.

It bears an uncanny resemblance to a wooden caricature of a Black man's head, which was taken down from a pub in the town amid a race row controversy.

The bust, which rested on an arch outside The Green Man Pub & Black's Head Royal Hotel, was ripped down days after the Edward Colston statue was toppled in Bristol.

Around 42,000 people had signed a petition calling for the removal of the 200-year-old listed structure from outside the "racist" pub.

It is believed the similar-looking stone head, set to go under the hammer next month, could also be linked to the town’s controversial past.

The unique carving will be sold by Hansons Auctioneers, in Etwall, Derbys., on March 31, where it is expected to fetch between £2,000 and £3,000 ($2,700- $4,000).

Charles Hanson, owner of Hansons Auctioneers, said: “It’s a truly fascinating object.

"Ashbourne is a town rich in history and heritage and, when news of the find emerged last December, I know it sparked major interest among locals.

“That is partly because the carving bears a striking resemblance to a controversial Black's Head wooden caricature which was displayed in Ashbourne for decades.

The stone head carved with a smile. (Hansons via SWNS)

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"The 18th century Grade II-listed head used to be located above The Green Man & Black’s Head Royal Hotel sign in St John Street.

"The stone statue looks similar to the caricature.

“However, the wooden Black’s Head has sparked major controversy in recent years and is currently in storage.

"It was removed, initially by locals, after a petition branding it racist and offensive gathered support around the country.

“I understand it is now in Matlock Records Office and that Ashbourne Town Council wishes to take ownership of it."

Respected historians have different ideas about the origins of the Black’s Head. One
theory is that it’s a symbol from the crest of the notable Shirley family from the area.

Others think it resembles Francis Barber, a Jamaican servant boy who accompanied renowned writer, poet and playwright Dr. Samuel Johnson on his visits to the town.

Charles added: “Local folklore suggests the head is smiling at people as they approach the town and frowning as they leave, this being symbolic of the fact the boy was delighted to visit Ashbourne but sad to leave.

“Whatever the truth or your views may be, it’s part of Ashbourne’s unique heritage. The discovery of this stone version adds another strand to the story.

“Of course, we will never know how or why a stone carving resembling the Black’s Head ended up in a garden in Church Street, or exactly how it’s connected to Ashbourne’s history.

"It’s a mystery we can only ponder but there is a chance we will discover more.

"The town’s heritage society may research who lived at the Church Street property where the stone was found.

"Perhaps they will discover a link to the Green Man or Blackamoor's Head pubs, or the Shirley family.”

The owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, said they had been using the head as a garden ornament for many years oblivious to its historical significance.

They added: “We moved into the house 30 years ago.

"It has a quarter of an acre of garden and the brambles were head high. It was so overgrown it took me two years to clear the ground.

I found the stone underneath a load of brambles at the bottom. No one had been down there for years.

“I used it as a garden ornament for a long time but now it’s stuck in a passageway, unseen, so I’ve decided to sell it.

"If it’s an important historical object connected to Ashbourne’s past, perhaps it should be in a museum.”