BRIGHTENING UP WESTMINSTER ABBEY

Northern Advocate, 26 October 1936, Page 2

BRIGHTENING UP WESTMINSTER ABBEY

No one who today visits Westminster Abbey, after' an absence of about 10 years, can fail to be impressed by the great improvements which have been made in the building itself, and in many of its more beautiful features, since in 1925 Dr. Foxley Norris, the present Dean, came into office, says the “Daily Telegraph.” The new Dean found one very big and important task in progress when he arrived. This was the renovation of the exterior of Henry Vll’s Chapel, a work which involved the replacement of numerous perished details and the cleaning and limewashlng of the whole, to guard against further decay. It was finished in 1932, but scarcely had the scaffolding been removed when a piece of tracery fell from the beautiful vault within the chapel. It had long been felt that this roof should be examined, and without delay the Dean put the work in hand. The late Sir Walter (then Mr. Tapper found that a complete overhaul was essential.

Cleaning Interior.

The opportunity was taken to clean and limewash the whole interior. The work was cqmpleted in about three years, and the traceried vault of the chapel vestibule has been adorned with gilt and colour in the style of the early sixteenth century, when it was built.

The work of cleaning the masonry and sculpture of the south transept, begun in 1931, is now nearing completion. The fair colour of the stone, how free from dust, makes Poets’ Corner a brighter and pleasanter place. Possibly-the greatest achievement of Dr. Nonas’ time is the reorganisation of the Library and Muniment Room. This was carried out with generous assistance from the Pilgrim Trust. The Muniment Room is a large chamber, open to the church, which is situated over the northern bays of the east cloister walk, the latter usurping the place of the west aisle of the south transept. The Library occupies the northern part of the monks' dormitory, am eleventh century building which lies fo the south of the transept.

Other Works Done.

Connection between the two has been established by means of a gallery over the southern bays of the east cloister walk, which had previously been used as a lumber room. The necessary furnishing and slight structural alterations were carried out by Sir Walter Tapper. Mr. Lawrence E. Tanner, whose connection with the Abbey is lifelong, has been appointed Keeper of Muniments.

Other works done during the last ten years include the repair and cleaning of the eleventh century refectory wall, and the opening# out of its Norman wall arcade; the repair and lime-washing of the Abbots’ Hall and “Jericho” Parlour. The “Jerusalem” Chamber, which adjoins the hall, is at present under treatment.

Notwithstanding all that has been accomplished, much remains to be done, and the question of funds is the delaying factor. At a meeting of the Architectural Association, in 1932, the Dean expressed the opinion that £IOO,OOO could be well spent should some generous person be ready to provide it.

Certainly there are schemes which have been hinted at from time to time, or discussed and \shelved, which would be in hand were funds available.