We are delighted to confirm that traces of an important set of wall paintings dating back to the early 14th century are to be made visible to Exeter Cathedral’s visitors again, after being hidden for more than 50 years.
Commenting on their significance in a recent assessment, specialist heritage conservator Ruth McNeilage concluded the paintings were “possibly one of the most comprehensive schemes of this type in the country.”1
Set in our medieval Chapter House building, they are thought to be the cathedral’s most extensive surviving wall paintings, and offer insight into its earliest decorative schemes.
Since 1974, the paintings have been concealed behind a set of modern fibreglass sculptures by local artist, Kenneth Carter, known as the ‘Testament Sculptures.’ These sculptures have now been removed and stored safely, ready for relocation to a specially-designed new building at Exeter College. The sculptures, which are now under the ownership of the college, are to be prominently displayed in the atrium of the new building, visible to the public through large glass panels.
As Carter was once principal lecturer at Exeter College of Art, both college and cathedral believe the sculptures’ new home will offer a fitting stage to inspire new generations of Exeter students.
Conservation of the wall paintings themselves is expected to begin later this year, following careful removal of the sculptures’ background boards, under the guidance of specialist consultants.
The work to make our Chapter House’s 700-year-old artwork visible to visitors follows years of community and specialist consultation. A public consultation was advertised and shared on the cathedral’s website and in its newsletter, as well as paper copies being made available at the cathedral. In addition, there was a second opportunity to comment as part of the statutory process for removal of the sculptures.
The Dean and Chapter also consulted the Twentieth Century Society, Historic England and SPAB (Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings), as well as specialist experts in the fields of art history and heritage conservation.
All of these consultations have been critical to the process of reaching our decision, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who has taken part in our consultation process. We fully appreciate both the affection felt for Kenneth Carter’s sculptures, and the desire of many for the Chapter House’s original wall paintings to be seen once again. We believe that the relocation of the sculptures in partnership with Exeter College has provided a positive outcome for everyone. Ensuring both 14th and 20th century artworks can be appreciated by local people for generations to come.
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1Ruth McNeilage ACR (2021): Condition Survey of the Painted Niches in the Blind Arcade