Repairs begin on rare papier-mache church ceiling

A major restoration project has started on the ornate ceiling of a church which dates back to the 16th Century.

The work at the Church of St John The Evangelist in the village of Wicken, Northamptonshire, will be carried out by a team of five conservators and is scheduled to take two weeks.

It will focus on the intricate papier-mache ceiling carvings in the church's chancel and follows consultations with the church's leadership and heritage advisors.

Chris Bull, technical director at the Fine Art Restoration Company, said: "We are honoured to safeguard this unique ceiling for future generations."

He said: "Its intricate papier-mache structure is not only rare but deeply symbolic of the church's artistic heritage."

According to restoration experts, the ceiling features thin papier-mache lathes, skim coated with plaster-like material and painted, which are directly affixed to the plaster walls and ceiling.

Though lightweight, several sections have loosened due to age and exposure to moisture.

The restoration company said previous patch repairs are deteriorating and areas affected by damp and mould would be "carefully addressed".

The Church of St John The Evangelist traces its origins to the 16th Century, when the parishes of Wyke-Hamon and Wyke-Dive were unified in 1587 under the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

The original church was dismantled in the early 17th Century and rebuilt in 1758 thanks to the patronage of Thomas Prowse.

A series of further restorations took place in 1838 and again in the late 19th Century under Victorian architect Matthew Holding.

The church was designated a Grade II listed building in 1960, recognising its architectural and historical significance.

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.