Major restoration work starts on cathedral

Scaffolding has gone up at Wells Cathedral as major restoration work due to last over the summer begins.

Work began in April and will end in September, with repairs to stonework and cleaning of pigeon mess among the projects being undertaken at the Grade I-listed site.

Wells Cathedral said pollutants from the Industrial Revolution had damaged the West Front of the building, and subsequent cleaning may have removed some of the detailing.

Work will begin by removing any dry dirt, followed by wet washing and the application of biocide, before recording and drawing the stone elements which need repairs.

The contractors will clean and remove plant growth and pigeon mess, repair and replace the stone niches, apply lime mortars to some of the scupltures and apply a shelter coat to enhance the appearance of the stonework.

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."

Cliveden Conservation are the contractors for the project and said in a statement: "The project builds upon the meticulously planned and executed pilot phase conducted in 2022 by Cliveden Conservation who have a workshop in Bath, 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 by Cliveden Conservation across the entire West Front to preserve fragile surfaces and carved figures."

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