Monday 19 October 2009

Carter House Restoration and Dewatering on the West Bank



Just got a great update from Ray Johnson of Chicago House. There is an inauguration of the dewatering project tomorrow, yes we all know it was started long ago but this is the official inauguration by the head of US Aid. There are two gravitational drains one starting at Medinet Habu and the other at Seti I temple. They both lead to a pumping station near the Ramasseum, this will then collect the water and pump it into the irrigation canal. They are hoping this will halt the destruction of the monuments. It is critical as the repair work at Medinet Habu is almost being destroyed as quickly as they make it. Chicago House will be starting work this week at their various sites.

Meanwhile yours truly has been continuing to help out at the Carter House restoration. I have been liaising between Lady Carnarvon and Dr Hany el Miniaw the architect in charge of the restoration. Lady Carnarvon is providing a number of display boards with some really atmospheric photos of the house, the two men Carter and Carnarvon and the history of their working relationship. I was over yesterday and today and took some photos of progress so far. The grand opening is the 4th November the 75th (correction 87th) anniversary of the discovery of the first step that ultimately led to the tomb of Tutankhamen. It is such a privilege to be in Luxor at this time and to have a small part in the work. I am a very lucky girl


3 comments:

Unknown said...

dear jane, thank you for the wonderfull, photos of the carter house, and for the news, as you know,, this is something near to my heart also. love mary.xx

Anonymous said...

Yes, Thank you for the wonderfull photos. Hopefully I can see it on 4 November!

Jane you write "The grand opening is the 4th November the 75th anniversary of the discovery of the first step that ultimately led to the tomb of Tutankhamen."

I think it was on 4 November 1922! Carter discovery the first stair on this day!

The 87th anniversary, or have I misunderstood something?

Jane, you write "I am a very lucky girl" Yes, I understand this!

Jane Akshar said...

Thank you EgyptHoliday for correcting my stupidity :))