On top of the dome of the Arab Hall is an iron finial featuring a modified symbol of a crescent moon. Such finials often combining a crescent moon and star are to be found on minarets, the domes of some mosques and secular buildings in the Islamic world. At Leighton’s house, the dome, brick ziggurats and the finial combined to bring something of the exoticism of the interiors onto the exterior

of what was otherwise a notably plain building.

 

During the restoration of the museum in 2009-10 it was discovered that this finial, currently painted white, was original gilded. At that time, budgets did not allow for the work to be carried out to restore this, the most distinctive element of the exterior of the building.

 

It would be fantastic to have the finial once more gleaming above the

dome of the Arab Hall.  We are now seeking to raise £5,000 to carry out the gilding of the finial and to complete the external restoration of

Leighton House Museum.