OXFORD’S Ashmolean Museum has won “a substantial grant” for its conservation gallery Restoring the Past.

Restoring the Past is one of two conservation galleries at the Ashmolean – the only major museum of art and archaeology to have permanent galleries devoted to the work.

How much the museum received from the Leon Levy Foundation – set up with a legacy from the American financier in 2004 – is being kept confidential. But in recognition, the gallery has been renamed after him.

Ashmolean director Dr Christopher Brown, pictured, said, “This gallery is of great importance to us, helping us to highlight for our visitors the crucial role of the science of conservation, both today and in the past. We are honoured to name the gallery in memory of Leon Levy, and are extremely grateful to the foundation for its support.”

The gallery illustrates the history of conservation through objects from the Ashmolean collections.

Visitors are shown how in the Ancient World everyday objects were skilfully repaired and adapted to prolong their usage, with pots plugged and broken Iron Age swords recycled as knives.

Examples of the work of the Ashmolean’s first conservator, William Young, are also on display.