Smashed rare vases back

Nov 12 2007

Three 17th-century Chinese vases accidentally smashed when a museum visitor tripped on his shoelace nearly two years ago are back on display after being restored.

The vases were broken in January 2006 when Nick Flynn, who is in his 40s and lives near Cambridge, crashed into them at the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge.

One vase was repaired by August 2006 and specialist ceramic restorer Penny Bendall has now completed work on the other two. A local business paid for the restoration.

The museum said the vases, which had been on display for 60 years, were now being housed in a specially-designed case.