A collection of rare marble is returning to its Derbyshire roots.
Ashford black marble has been quarried near Ashford-in-the-Water for more than 300 years and was used for furniture decorated with inlaid work.
The county council purchased the collection from the widow of private collector John Michael Tomlinson, whose relatives used to work the stone.
The 150-piece collection, including tables, will now be displayed at the Buxton Museum and Art Gallery.
'Best collection'
It was Mr Tomlinson's wish the collection should return to Derbyshire.
The county council has purchased the collection, with the support of the Museums Libraries and Archives Council (MLA), the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), the National Art Collections Fund and generous local benefactors including the Dowager Duchess of Devonshire.
Derbyshire County Council's cabinet member for cultural and community services, councillor Bob Janes, said: "Derbyshire County Council is delighted to fulfil Mr Tomlinson's wish and welcome the return of this large collection of decorative pieces to the county.
"Buxton Museum and Art Gallery's collection is recognised as one of the best collections in public ownership."
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