Tomorrow (so long as I don't feel as rough as I do today) I will be driving to the Severn Estuary to attend a church service (!) followed by a Q & A session amongst the parishioners to explain what the HELL I have done to 3 of their precious and ancient, wall-plaque memorials. Actually, I'm hoping it is going to be a bit more positive than that.After the inquisition is over, I will (apparently) be taken to lunch in a nearby pub by the sole survivor of those mentioned in the wall-plaques, and her husband. They are really nice people, and working for them was a pleasure. I think the head honcho of the Gloucestershire Church Conservation body is also coming. I hope he doesn't ask about my techniques in too great a detail. Oh well, I am part of their history now, so it is too late.
The one above is the oldest of the three, and just required a bit of titivation. It is also the only one belonging to a non-member of the dear lady's family. If you blow up the photo, you will read how long this particular priest was vicar of the parish - a job for life!
Happy Hallowe'en.
What a beautiful piece of work. I enlarged Mr Richard but couldn't make out what he has in his hands. It must be good to be involved in such restoration. Did the original stonemason sign his work? Prepare to be feted.
ReplyDeleteWhat shite, in comparison, we put up today to commemorate our dead. Even the good and great only get cheepo machine-engraved marb-u-like plaques. The above is beautiful. Well done Tom. Thy works are good!
ReplyDeleteThe Reverent Littleton (wonder if any relation to Humphrey?) I think has has hands together with part of his tie beneath, but I can't remember. This plaque isn't signed, but the other two are - my a J. Pearce of Frampton, around 1799. He also carved his name into the porch of the church when he was a youth, and nicely done it is too, compared to modern graffiti.
ReplyDeleteThese weren't my works, Cro, I just tarted them up.
Pious, Painfull & Profitable...interesting legacy.
ReplyDeleteBest Behaviour now Tom.
ReplyDeleteHope you're better tomorrow and everything goes well for you, Tom. Influenza has been doing the rounds up here - my OH had flu for for best part of 4 weeks - wasn't nice!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the get well messages. I think 'painful' was used in the context meaning 'pains-taking' J. I.E. 'studious'. The profitability bit could have been spiritual... You never know though.
ReplyDeleteI think I will have one of those after I have gone. I could spend many a happy hour writing it for myself and then you could do for me and I could keep it by the bed until the time came. Are you expensive?
ReplyDeleteDepends what you mean by 'expensive', Elizabeth. Some people think I am quite cheap.
ReplyDeleteOK. Thy 'tarting up' is good.
ReplyDeleteThank 'ee kindly sirrah. I'm of to Gloucestershire in a minute. I'll be the irritating bloke coughing in the church. Must remember to turn my mobile off.
ReplyDeleteI remember you did this in the spring. You said that ghosts were tugging at your pants legs : ) It's really nice—I hope the meeting went well!
ReplyDeleteLovely tarting up, Tom.
ReplyDeleteHa! Thanks Amy and Bris - I'm going to report on it soon. It was a hoot, and interesting too. This is the first time me and my work has been blessed by a priest (in my presence). X
ReplyDeletenow it sounds as though you have a very interesting job! i told mise i was going to come say hello, and i'm glad i did.
ReplyDeletejules : )
Hello Jules, and thanks for popping around to say hello. Tell Mise I am going to get Cath Kidson onto her...
ReplyDeleteAmazing piece of artwork. Nice bit of restoration, Tom. Thanks for posting. It was a treat to see!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Willow.
ReplyDelete