CHURCH PROJECTS.

At any one time we might have ten or more church projects on the go, and these have become one of the treasured parts of our work. Projects are extremely diverse and can range from a new spire or major structural repairs, through to the design and production of stained and etched glass, or other artistic works. Many parishes are exploring how to combine worship and community use of their buildings and we are aware of the challenges that this presents.

St Paul's Church in Grangetown, Cardiff was the setting for one of the first of the new series of Dr Who. Trapped inside the church the Doctor and Rose are attacked by huge demons.

Sadly, this church is now looking for a new owner. There are plans to rebuild the church hall to provide a combined community facility and worship space.

We worked on behalf of the Representative Body of the Church in Wales to explore the possibility of converting the church into a new H.Q. and came up with a scheme for the R.B. and the Parish to cohabit.

The church, however, remains on the market and anyone interested in a large building close to Cardiff city centre could do worse than looking here.

About 20 years ago the spire of Boughrood was removed as one of the decorative bands of stonework had decayed leaving it unsafe. The stump that remained did not do this pretty Victorian church justice. With help from the Heritage Lottery Fund, we replaced the spire. As the top of the tower was very thin, we decided to insert a steel frame which supports a thin shell of stonework, keeping the whole structure as light as possible.

However, the greatest benefit was not to the building but to the community, which, with the hard work of the vicar and P.C.C. was enlivened through the whole process. They managed to put the Fun into the Fundraising!

All saints is blessed with one of the most wonderful East windows, produced by Clayton and Bell in the nineteenth century. But it was extremely dirty and damaged. Under our supervision it has now been restored and looks magnificent.

However, at the opposite end of the church the rose window, never an attractive feature, was badly decaying. We designed a new window, based on the Crown of Thorns.

The Lady Chapel was a draughty and dark corner, but a generous bequest allowed for the insertiojn of a series of etched glass screens. Working closely with the parish and the DAC we drew the images on the glass and then etched them in location. This was extremely challenging, but we developed a unique method which we hope to be able to use again in the future.

Reordering

Text to be added.

The chimney's have gone, but the grime remained in thick layers encrusted on the walls of the church and its unique carvings.

The decision to clean a church must always be taken with care, but in this instance this beacon of hope and glory stood prominent in the town as a beacon of grime and pollution. Cleaning the church was an essential component in a programme of re-roofing and repairs which has left the church once again as the most dominant and inspiting feature of the town.

New Entrance Facilities

St Martin's Church lies in the heart of Roath close to Cardiff city centre. This spacious church was very cut off from its busy shopping street, with iron railings creating a litter trap and an unwelcoming entrance.

Work is nearing completion on a light and airy front vestibule, dark oak doors have been replaced with frameless glass, and people are already starting to drift in from the street to explore the church they had never really noticed before.

More images to come soon.....

see also ..