St Giles in the Field

The Vestry House of St Giles in the Field is contemporaneous with the third church on the site, built 1731-3 by Henry Flitcroft. The main vestry room contains its original panelling, which contain names of the rectors of the Parish since 1547.

 

Architectural Paint / Finishes Research 

Lincoln Conservation was commissioned by Roger Mears Architects to undertake an examination of the architectural paint of Vestry House in order to help inform redecoration. 

 

Through on-site investigations, including removing samples from different architectural elements of the room, and analysis undertaken in our labs back in Lincoln we were able to identify approximately 23 decorative schemes, divided into ten different phases. Illustrations of these phases aided the client in decision-making for redecoration and conservation options. 

 

Conservation and restoration 

The main vestry room contains its original panelling, which lists names of the rectors of the Parish and Churchwardens since 1547. A combination of historic flaking and loss of paint, and discoloured, aged varnish meant that many of the names were illegible. 

The panelling was dry cleaned, varnish selectively removed, and areas of lost paint were filled and retouched to improve visibility of the historic names. A final varnish was applied for future protection.  The marble fireplace in the room was also cleaned and protected. In addition to the conservation of the existing names, 10 additional signwritten Churchwarden names were added to bring the list up to date.