Conservation treatment continues to preserve the West Front of Wells Cathedral

Cliveden Conservation is pleased to announce its appointment to undertake the ongoing conservation of the exquisite carved stonework on the West Front of Wells Cathedral. This significant repair programme, which is now underway with a completion date in the autumn, is being conducted in collaboration with Nick Cox Architects and the Cathedral.

The project builds upon the meticulously planned and executed pilot phase conducted in 2022 by Cliveden Conservation, which focused on cleaning and repairing the stonework and sculptures on the central top tiers above the West Window. During this initial phase, conservators developed a methodology now being implemented across the entire West Front to preserve fragile surfaces and carved figures.

Over the coming months, conservators will clean the stonework, removing pigeon guano and biological growth before undertaking sympathetic repair work. Damaged stone in the decorative niches will be replaced using locally sourced Doulting stone to match the historic fabric of the building.

A significant part of the project will involve the complex application of repair mortars, which will be carefully prepared using stone dust and aggregates and colour matched to the original limestone, to recreate lost detailing of the sculptures. Finally, conservators will apply a lime-based shelter coat to protect and enhance the appearance of the stonework.

Throughout the project, conservators will carefully record the condition of each of the stone elements and detail the conservation treatment. These records will play a crucial role in the future conservation of the Cathedral, which has undergone repairs and maintenance over the centuries.

Crystal Johnson, strategic projects director at Wells Cathedral, said:

"The stone has deteriorated due to centuries of weathering, biological growth, and historic air pollution. This phase of work is about carefully assessing each area and providing long-term protection without damaging what remains."

Contracts Manager, Berenice Humphreys from Cliveden Conservation, is thrilled that the conservation team has been invited back by the Cathedral to continue works: 

“Returning to this much-loved site to be a part of the history of this wonderful building is a real honour for us.”

For further information visit clivedenconservation.com