16 May 2008
Chichester Observer
After more than half a century surrounded by scaffolding, Chichester Cathedral can now be seen in all its glory after restoration to the Lady Chapel was finished. For three years, skilled craftsmen have carried out painstaking and much-needed tender loving care to the chapel.
Since work started in 2005 the chapel has been closed to the public, but now hoardings have been removed - and just in time for the seventh annual Chichester Cathedral Festival of Flowers on May 29. The £900,000 project has involved restoring the exterior and interior of the chapel, including the re-colouring and restoration of nine sets of Clayton and Bell stained-glass windows.
One of the most important aspects of the work has been to reapply all the medieval colours to restore its brightness. Iron gates which cross the entrance were once black, but have now been painted grey so they are more in keeping with the medieval colour scheme. Other work has included repainting the chapel ceiling with vermilion (a reddish colour) and blue stripes, just as it would have looked originally.
It is believed scaffolding has been in place since the second world war. Alison Godfrey, of the Chichester Cathedral Restoration and Development Trust, said: "The stained glass is absolutely stunning."