Undoing dodgy decor in Devon

Uncovering an 18th-century ornamental screen at St Martin's Church, Exeter

In the 1970s, some rather ill-advised interior decoration was carried out at St Martin’s Church.

Modern, synthetic, grey paint was painted over and completely covered the 18th-century reredos behind the altar.

 

 

Painstaking recovery

In 2010, we commissioned a wallpainting conservator to remove the paint, with scalpels and poultices, to show the beautiful text once again.

The uncovered reredos allows this important decorative feature of the church to be seen as it was intended when it was undertaken over 250 years ago.

The uncovering work took several weeks to complete and cost us a little over £2,500.

We are extremely grateful for the generosity of the many thousands of visitors who visit St Martin’s Church - their contributions in part made this work possible.

Project team

CCT Conservation Manager: Dr. Neil Rushton
Conservator: Ruth McNeilage of McNeilage Conservation

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