Discover DeCrypt, the charitable organisation responsible for St Mary de Crypt Church and the Tudor Schoolroom in Gloucester, is seeking a specialist consultant in polychromy and wall painting conservation to support an upcoming Heritage Lottery-funded project, The Sanctuary Project.
The Sanctuary area of St Mary de Crypt contains exceptional examples of medieval and Tudor wall paintings, including the Adoration of the Magi (c. 1520–1530) and several rare figurative paintings above the Easter Sepulchre. These works - painted directly onto the stonework and concealed under limewash during the Reformation - were rediscovered in the 1840s and represent a significant part of the church’s historic fabric.
ITT Conservation of Wall Paintings
Scope of Brief
- Sanctuary area within the Chancel of St Mary de Crypt, Gloucester.
- All surfaces: walls and ceiling from the steps leading up to the Altar on the East wall.
- In particular to focus on the Adoration of the Magi and the figurative paintings on the north wall of the Sanctuary.
Recommendations for work
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To collaborate with the Stone and Stained-Glass conservators.
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To undertake conservation work on the painted surfaces within the Sanctuary area – South lunette, north lunette, Easter Sepulchre and hidden paint either side of the East window. Medieval bosses in the ceiling.
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To assist with the environmental assessment and analysis of salt efflorescence.
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To make recommendations for the reduction of ultraviolet light levels.
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To undertake analysis of original materials and techniques used on the 1982 conservation work of the Adoration of the Magi.
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To supervise the training of university conservation students who will work on the project for a limited period of time.
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To document all procedures and findings and discoveries.
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To make recommendations for the long-term care and maintenance of all historic surfaces, including wall paintings and polychromy.
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To write a report for DC, NHLF and other funding bodies.
How to apply
Please send a tender for the works with costs to Hellen O'Connor ([email protected])
Please email Hellen for any information you require.