Archaeologists and conservationists are working on a plan to preserve historic medieval wall paintings at St Peter and St Paul's Church in Pickering, North Yorkshire. These remarkable artworks, dating back to around 1470, have suffered damage and deterioration over the centuries. To safeguard them for future generations, the church is seeking funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

A Timely Conservation Effort

Professor Kate Giles from the University of York’s archaeology department emphasized the importance of conservation, stating, "It has been 50 years since the last restoration work was carried out, and it is now crucial to preserve these paintings once again."

Originally painted in the late 15th century, some of the artworks were uncovered in 1852 during church repairs. However, past conservation efforts, particularly those undertaken by the Victorians and 20th-century restorers, inadvertently contributed to their deterioration.

The Impact of Past Conservation Methods

During previous restoration attempts, the paintings were coated with a preservative meant to protect them from dampness. Unfortunately, this treatment had unintended consequences. "Rather than preserving them, the coating has prevented the paintings from breathing and has attracted significant amounts of dirt and dust," Prof. Giles explained.

These paintings depict various religious scenes, including the lives of saints and the Passion of Christ. They are considered one of only five surviving sets of medieval church wall paintings in England, making their preservation particularly significant.

A Unique and Irreplaceable Heritage Site

Reverend Gareth Atha, the church’s vicar, highlighted the rarity of these artworks, saying, "In North Yorkshire, there is nothing quite like this. The scale of some of these paintings is truly impressive."

Due to their fragile state, the church takes extra precautions to prevent further damage. "It might seem trivial, but the best thing we can do is avoid disturbing them. Some are covered in dust, and while it might be tempting to clean them with a feather duster, that could be disastrous," Rev. Atha added.

Stable Conditions for Preservation

One challenge in preserving medieval paintings within churches is fluctuating humidity levels. However, St Peter and St Paul’s Church benefits from an underfloor heating system, which helps maintain a stable environment conducive to preservation.

Interestingly, not everyone has always appreciated the paintings. A Victorian-era vicar, Reverend John Ponsonby, once viewed them as a distraction during sermons. However, Rev. Atha sees them as a remarkable asset. "I can understand his perspective, but these paintings are an incredible part of our heritage. It is a privilege to lead worship in a space adorned with such history."

A Hopeful Future for Restoration

Church leaders and archaeologists remain hopeful that funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund will allow them to carry out much-needed restoration work. Their goal is to ensure that these unique medieval masterpieces remain intact for generations to come, preserving an invaluable part of England’s artistic and religious heritage.