The Nave roof, with its distinctive 15th Century oak trusses and carved details was at risk of structural collapse by October 2019. As Inspecting Architect, St Ann’s Gate led a comprehensive repair project, including complex carpentry repairs, traditional sand cast lead, conservation and replacement of lath and plaster ceilings, new oak carvings and masonry repairs.
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.
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