The conservation principles applied to this project included preserving as much historic fabric as possible and following the principles applied by Detmar Blow, a significant architect of the Arts and Crafts movement who was the last to have repaired this roof. The project included conservation and repairs across a wide range of specialisms and whilst most remains hidden from view; there are new oak carvings throughout the interior that commemorate these works and add another layer to this building’s historic narrative. Each new carving was carefully designed by the architect to depict stories of the church, the wider community and in the case of the NHS rainbow; the challenges of this project.
Start a ProjectAs part of the restoration, Emma designed some additional paterae [carved oak bosses] that decorate the interior of the wall plate. These replaced missing bosses, and were inspirational – including a rainbow and NHS logo, to commemorate the Covid-19 season; and a bee, to recall the swarm of bees that were disturbed during the roof works. These and others will be a contemporary contribution to the history of the roof in this ancient parish church.