In 2005 we completely renovated the interior of St Catherine's.
Here's what happened...
The Victorian brickwork, the real glory of our building, has
been painted over many times in the last 135 years. We decided
to embark on a programme of significant surface alterations in
order to improve our worship space and to restore the original
Victorian glory of the building. With the help of architect David
Harvey and conservator Dr Thomas Pinhorn, an amazing transformation
took place. Here's what it looks like now!
But to appreciate the whole story, here are some more photos
to show what happened!
The view to the front, before work begins. Everything seems darker,
and note the faded Alpha at the top left.
The view to the rear. See at the sides how the outlines of the
pews shows how the walls have been painted over the years.
An arch. See the layers of mould and salts that need removing.
The vicar up at the Alpha. Close to, thanks to the scaffolding,
see the work that needs to be done to restore this figure.
Dr Thomas Pinhorn, heading up the alterations work.
Two unusual views of the church filled with scaffolding!
Side wall - a snap shot of part of the alterations programme at
work, showing different stages of the renovations.
Bishop David Yeoman comes to inspect the work in progress. Here
he is with warden Teg Lewis in the West Porch, and also up the scaffolding
examining the extent of the works. His verdict: 'Very impressive!'
Two views of the completed work. At first glance it might seem quite
similar to the first shots, but now the Alpha and Omega are fully
restored, the designs on the arches are bright again, the crosses
on the nave walls are clear - it is our church, but like new!
Thomas Pinhorn, conservator, Marcus Green, vicar and David Harvey,
architect, open a bottle of champagne to celebrate the completion
of all the work!
All this work has been done with major grants from CADW
and Heritage
Lottery Fund; as well as a significant personal donation from
Miss Gwyneth Williams, and a generous grant from the Historic
Churches Preservation Trust. The PCC of St Catherine's extend
their warm gratitude to all who have made the renovation of our
place of worship a reality.
