Extended Condition

Condition level:

Survey reason:

Comments:

Given that a significant amount of paintwork is lost or unstable, and one inscription in particular has become almost illegible, in some respects the overall condition is "poor" rather than "fair" in terms of the WMT guidelines.  The memorial is certainly "poor" in terms of its current shabby appearance to the general observer.  No deterioration since November 2017 when the PCC obtained a detailed Conservation Report from a professional conservator.  The report was based on a close survey of the memorial from a scaffolding tower specially erected for the purpose.  This close inspection showed that the memorial was in a much worse condition than it appeared from a ground survey.  The four saint figures have lost a significant amount of paint due to blistering.  Although the cause of the blistering appears to stem from the way the paint was initially applied in 1920, there is an urgent need to consolidate the damaged paintwork before more is lost, and to replace the paintwork which has already been lost.  The paint and gilding has suffered from much ingrained dirt (smoke damage in 1925, major bomb damage to the church in WW2 and large-scale building work in the church in 1992) requiring specialist cleaning by a conservator.  The gilding on the lower rail has been worn almost completely off.  The PCC is particularly concerned that the inscriptions have become worn in places.  The church had a new roof in 1992 following long-term water ingress and rot problems throughout the building.  No damp or rot problems since then, so the environment is dry and stable.  The PCC are now very much hoping to have the memorial repaired and appropriately cleaned in 2018 so that it is a truly fitting tribute to the people commemorated on it, particularly in view of the many commemoration events planned at Christ Church in late 2018.

CHRIST CHURCH PARISHIONERS WW1