Stars Twinkle Again
Addington PCC has just finished a major conservation project at St. Margaret’s Church. The 15th century South (or Watton) Chapel, has a seven cant wooden barrel roof with a mid-Victorian painted design on it. The 147 individual sections of the roof contain golden embossed stars viewed, as it were through a window, whilst scarlet heraldic lions and colourful swags alternate on the border below. The photograph shows how light and bright the colours are. The painting was probably inspired by the work of Owen Jones (1809-1874) who visited the Alhambra in 1832 and brought back Moorish designs to England. He was a superintendent at the Great Exhibition of 1851, and the church was substantially renovated later in that decade. For many years the intended effect was obscured by layers of dark varnish. When the ceiling was featured in the 1954 book ‘Kent Churches’ by H.R. Pratt Boorman, the stars could hardly be discerned.
For many years the PCC had planned to undertake this restoration, but had been prevented by more pressing matters such as a dangerous tower and leaky roof. In late 2005 the decision was taken to raise the funds to do so, as part of a plan to remove the pews and screens from the chapel, to obtain a more flexible space for the congregation. The work, which also included cleaning the monuments in the chapel and the stone reredos, has been carried out by the Wall Paintings Workshop of Faversham. The seven brasses in the church can all now be fully accessed – some had been previously hidden under carpet.
The church is unfortunately normally closed except for services, but if you would like to visit, please contact KAS member, Patricia Richardson (01732 842303) to gain access.
ABOVE BOTTOM: The roof showing the mid-Victorian painted designs.