The Church of England

The two vestries in St Mary's were in a mess. The vicar's vestry was cluttered, leaving little room for the clergy to robe, let alone to have confidential discussions with parishioners. The choir vestry was unsatisfactory for our large and distinguished choir. In particular, their 40 sets of choir robes would not fit in the wardrobes, which were so shallow that the robes could not be hung on hangers. Crucially, there wasn't adequate space for the many music scores of their extensive repertoire.

The two fine Victorian fireplaces were lined with Minton tiles that had won a design award at the Great Exhibition in 1851. But the removal of the fires many years ago had left ugly gaps in the tiling. The very old wood block floor was worn and scuffed, with many loose sections. And the leather-topped Victorian table was so damaged that it looked fit for nothing but scrap timber.

In 2010, the PCC decided that refurbishing the vestries would be a fine way to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the rebuilding of St Mary's and a fitting birthday present to the church. It would not only provide much-needed working space for the present but would leave a rich legacy that would last for at least a hundred years.

John Alexander, a member of the choir and a professional interior designer, produced plans for the refurbishment, patiently revising them over many months to meet the needs of the various user groups and the requirements of the diocesan committee that has to approve alterations to church buildings. He commissioned Mark Hopkins, an award-winning cabinet maker, to remodel the choir wardrobes, increasing their depth by eight inches while retaining all their original features. Mark also stripped layers of old dark varnish off all the woodwork, revealing the beautiful Victorian pitch pine underneath; made bookcases for music scores; restored the parquet floor and designed and made an exquisite oak cabinet to hold the communion supplies that have been moved from the vestries.

November's BCN pictured the Victorian table, skilfully restored by Robert Redford and Bob Peers, with its fine new red leather top. In addition, Linda Antonelli and Barbara Richardson—both members of our congregation—have contributed finishing touches. Linda has repaired and mounted embroideries from two discarded pulpit falls, while Barbara has made upholstered cushions for two Victorian oak chairs that are now returned to their rightful place in the vicar's vestry. Even the missing Minton tiles have been cleverly reproduced, allowing the damaged fireplaces to be renovated.

The Victorian hymn 'Angel-voices ever singing' includes the lines:
'Craftsman's art and music's measure
for thy pleasure
all combine.'

In the restored vestries we see the glorious results of the 'craftsman's art', which has created a space worthy of our choir—and of all the other users. As much of the work has been covered by gifts of cash or in kind, the restoration is also a tribute to people's generosity.

www.mark-hopkins.co.uk john@johnalexanderdesign.co.uk

KMP Editor