Layers in Time: Tackling the Conservation Challenges of Wall Paintings

Wall paintings present a number of unique conservation challenges. In many ways they are extremely robust, forming part of the building structure itself. However, as our church buildings have been altered over the years - often with these historic artworks hidden behind limewash or plaster, the walls on which they exist can be disrupted or destroyed. Being part of the building, wall paintings are also at risk of damage associated with structural or environmental deterioration in a similar way to stonework and unpainted plaster.

These are not issues which go away following successful conservation treatment, but remain constant risks. Therefore, successful conservation of wall paintings is a long term and preventive exercise involving identifying and controlling the causes of deterioration. Regular condition reports by specialist conservators are essential, costing £350-£450 per day for the conservator’s time, plus additional costs such as scaffolding. As an example, the most recent report on the 12th and 18th century wall paintings at St James’ Church in Cameley, Somerset, cost £1,230 including VAT, covering the cost of two conservators to carry out a site visit, scaffolding, and a desktop survey to investigate the historic background and past conservation interventions. Further included in the cost were the production of a condition report and a conservation proposal with recommendations for a prioritised programme of phased works.

Once armed with the target figure of £35,000, the Friends of Cameley Church, with support from the Local Community Officer, Marie Leverett and CCT's Fundraising team, launched the successful Conserve Cameley's Wall Paintings campaign. A series of events, press releases and lectures, including our October members lecture "The Painted Past and Present of St James's Church in Cameley, Somerset" by Andrew Ziminski and Ruth McNeilage, helped raise the funds in record time, aided enormously by private donations and grant funds secured by the Friends. We are delighted that conservators have now been commissioned to commence the work highlighted by the conservation report in spring. 

Our changing climate is taking its toll on our churches in so many ways; from storms lifting roof tiles to cycles of wet and dry weather causing stone and timber to deteriorate, heavy rain causing water damage and hot weather causing land to dry out and recede. 

One of our churches affected by these changes is St Thomas' Church in East Shefford, Berkshire. This simple little church with pre-Norman origins, stands in an idyllic spot beside a water meadow next to the River Lambourn. Unfortunately, through this idyllic setting of the water meadow, along with structural alterations to the church over the centuries and climate change, algae has appeared on stonework, including the stunning 15th century alabaster monument to Sir Thomas Fettiplace and his wife. As well as housing beautiful medieval tiles, St Thomas' Church is adorned with magnificent wall paintings that can be seen here in 3D on the 360 Deaneries Facebook page. The latest survey at St Thomas' Church cost £1950 +VAT, highlighting areas of wall paintings that should be monitored due to cracking, where water damage has occurred; as well as the current risk of flooding. 

With over 80 churches with wall paintings, the costs mount up very quickly.  

We cannot do this work alone. In August 2025, we launched our Layers of Time annual appeal. Every gift towards this appeal helps us to carry out specialist conservation, safeguard vulnerable heritage, and ensure that these treasures remain a source of wonder and pride for their communities.