On Friday 13th June, and in honour of the 16th Century triptych which had just returned to St
James the Great after 20 months of repairs, the Bishop of Tewkesbury visited Cranham
Church for a special evening entitled Restoration and Revelation. The first dedication of this
painting by the Bishop of the Diocese was in 1915. In front of a full church of invited guests
in 2025, Rt Rev Robert Springett rededicated and blessed the triptych in its place as alter
reredos.
The evening involved talks by all the leading conservators from around the UK who had
worked on the restoration process. Extensive cleaning had been required initially, as well as
major structural repairs to the wooden base and frame which was warped and had
deteriorated. The opportunity had also been taken to have detailed research on the painting,
such as paint analysis, infrared reflectography to look at the sketching below the paint
surface, and also dendrochronology to look at the age and source of the wood used for it.
The presenters gave great detail about the work they had done, and the findings that they
had made during their investigations.
The guests learnt in great detail about the painting restoration, and the research undertaken
into its possible origins. It now looks vibrant and beautiful compared to the dark painting
that it had been previously.
Restoration and Revelation was the opportunity to thank and entertain representatives from
some the 13 different organisations that had supported the project financially, as well as
guests from the Diocese and the Church of England conservation team in London. The
event was sponsored by local auctioneers, Chorley’s, from Prinknash, which was highly
appropriate as the painting had been given to Cranham Church in 1915 by Thomas Dyer
Edwardes who lived in Prinknash Park, which he finally gave to the Monks who now live
there as well as it being the base of Chorley’s Auctioneers.
A film was being made of this event, and was shown to parishioners as well as many guests
on Wednesday 25 th June. A report of the work and the restoration will be forthcoming.
Linda de Cossart CBE
Churchwarden, St James the Great Cranham.