Past Projects
Central tower & lead roof
2004-2007 £650,00
It was with some trepidation that scaffolding was re-erected on the central tower in 2004 as previous scaffolding had been in place for almost forty years and had only been taken down four years earlier. A determined programme of fundraising, along with more support from English Heritage, ensured that this project to replace the lead roof (water was running in and would sometimes even fall to the floor on the plinth crossing during service) and three of the four pinnacle shafts: the fourth shaft had been replaced in the early 1990s.
The support of so many, and in particular those who sponsored stones for themselves or others, ensured that the scaffolding was only in place for the minimum three years necessary. It was however still nice to see the silhouette of the tower returned, scaffold free, to the night sky.
Restoration of the east end of the Lady Chapel
1997-2004 £1.3 million
This seven year project, which was significantly supported by English Heritage, was described by one of the inspectors as ‘the finest work underway anywhere in the country’ and was believe at the time to be the largest single piece of restoration in Europe as the entire face had to be restored.
The on-site team of stonemasons, from the specialist Herefordshire based company Capps & Capps Ltd, worked stones into capitals delicately carved with acanthus leaves through to arcading where five stones would sit on each other. The slightest variation in the column they created would be on view for generations to come. Detailed work on the Rose Window include panels depicting traditional images of swans with the necks entwined, bountiful grape vines and the inevitable green man. More modern references are made with carvings on the north east corner which depict a butcher and one of the two Tamworth pigs (Butch and Sundance) which escaped from an abattoir in 1999 and were media stars on the run for over a week!
Audley Chapel
2003-6 £75,000
The screen, tympanum and vault of this two-story Chapel found on the south side of the Lady Chapel were in much need of love and care. The screen was a rare example of a painted Tudor screen using oil on stone. Although there had been some previous work to re-paint some of the rib-work, it was vital to preserve the areas of Tudor artwork which had not been touched. Much of it however was showing signs of the paint work starting to flake off.
The stonework of all three areas was cleaned and the delicate flakes carefully sealed to prevent further deterioration. This process, along with re-lighting of the Lady Chapel following a generous private gift, allowed us to see the vibrancy of the Tudor paint and give a small glimpse of the colour of the place before the reformation.
Part of the undertaking included the development of two schools projects looking at the role of the Chapel and Cathedral in pilgrimage and our Tudor heritage. Both these projects are still being run and have proved to be highly popular parts of our schools programme and family open days.
For more information, including how to support Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust please contact:
Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust
5 College Cloisters
Hereford HR1 2NG
01432 374261
perpetual.trust@herefordcathedral.org
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