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Rare Medieval Frescoes Get New Lease of Life
21 Feb
Summary
- 12th Century church frescoes discovered after a 1979 arson attack.
- A National Lottery Heritage Grant of £244,684 will fund conservation.
- Work to conserve rare medieval wall paintings begins in April.
Conservation efforts are set to commence in April on a significant collection of 12th Century church frescoes. These rare wall paintings were discovered at St Mary Magdalene's Church in Ickleton, near Cambridge, following an arson attack in 1979. The frescoes, which depict scenes such as Christ's Passion and a 14th Century Doom painting, are described as being of exceptional quality for their age and location.
Funding for this vital conservation project has been secured through a £244,684 National Lottery Heritage Grant. The work will address the deteriorating condition of the plaster walls, exacerbated by issues like moisture ingress through old windows. Preservation of a bat roost in the nave roof and tower is also a key consideration.
Reverend Lydia Smith highlighted the unique artistic merit of the frescoes, noting they were likely created by highly skilled artists, not local craftsmen. She also pointed out a rare depiction of the Virgin Mary bare-breasted as a sign of grief in the Doom painting. The project aims to protect this historical treasure, with a celebration event planned for March next year to unveil the conserved works.
