Archive Post 7: Wall to the south of Tewkesbury Abbey, Tewkesbury.

Returning to Tewkesbury for another project ran by Cliveden Conservation in November and December 2013 myself and a colleague conserved a large wall just to the south of Tewkesbury Abbey.

Placing replacement stones on the wall.

The wall was constructed of mostly medieval stone excavated during landscaping carried out in the C19th. Over time the top course of stones had severely weathered and parts of the wall had bulged and slumped. We removed the top course and replaced it using original stone wherever possible.

A section of the wall that had been dismantled
and rebuilt with a new top course.

In some areas where the wall had moved it was taken apart and rebuilt in the same formation, though this was not necessary for the majority of the length.

The completed wall.

The wall was on the the buildings at risk register owing to the important archaeological stone contained with it. As such it was important to ensure it remains stable and safe for the future. At almost 50m long this substantial project was a great way to finish 2013.

The wall and the abbey.

This is the final archive post, I hope you've enjoyed them. Following Tewkesbury I went to Trusham in January and on to Dartmouth in February.

Painted Ceiling, St. Saviours Church, Dartmouth.

After some problems due to the weather I'm back in Dartmouth working for McNeilage Conservation in the wonderful St. Saviour's Church. The church was built mainly during the 14th Century with many 17th Century additions, including the wooden ceiling we've been working on.

St. Saviour's Church.

Although the date of the decoration on the ceiling is still in discussion what is certain is that an inappropriate and severely darkened varnish is covering it. We're working to remove this varnish and reveal the brightly coloured ceiling underneath.

Removing varnish from the ceiling of the transept.

The colour change is really striking and it's a very satisfying process to gradually remove this varnish which is not only masking the painted surface but also potentially damaging the paint below. In future weeks we will be moving from the transepts and onto the chancel ceiling, a similar painted ceiling, though barrel vaulted and gilded, keep posted for more on that.

One of the painted stars during varnish removal.

Once the varnish has been removed a matt varnish, which will not yellow or brown and has breathable qualities will be applied to protect the painted layer for future decades. 

On Friday the final archive post will go up, the second job I was involved in at Tewkesbury last year.