Issue 38 Summer web 23 - Flipbook - Page 29
Work in Exeter Cathedral’s Quire is taking place inside a
protective ‘bubble’ that allows the building to remain
open to visitors for sightseeing, worship and events whilst
also safeguarding the organ from dust. There are also
specially-created viewing points to allow visitors to see the
historic work in progress.
Development, Jill Taylor, explains, fundraising for the
project is also a work in progress:
“We have been overwhelmed by the level of support and
affection for this unique Devon landmark. But of course,
we still have a way to go to reach our goal of ensuring
a truly sustainable future for Exeter Cathedral, for
generations to come.”
Alongside these projects, Exeter Cathedral’s stonemasons
have also been carrying out crucial conservation work to
the exterior of the cathedral’s medieval Chapter House.
This has involved carefully cleaning and repointing
existing stonework, and identifying blocks that need to
be replaced, before carving new stonework using
matching materials.
For The Very Revd Jonathan Greener, Dean of Exeter,
one of the most important aspects of the development
project is for Exeter Cathedral to be used by a wider range
of communities across Devon. He explains:
“We want to preserve this precious piece of Devon
heritage for future generations, just as previous generations did for us. But we also need to ensure that it
continues to inspire and meet the needs of all the people
of Devon for the 21st century.
Further planned phases of the project will see
approximately half of the Grade I listed heritage site
conserved and refurbished. This includes conservation of
the cathedral’s 50 medieval misericords (or ‘mercy seats’),
a more sustainable heating zoning system, and new visitor
interpretation to explain the history of the cathedral.
“By supporting the Exeter 2020s Development Appeal,
donors will be helping us to reach and serve a wider
audience. They will be funding essential conservation and
improvements to our building. But they will also be
enabling us to improve the way we tell our story, and
supporting an exciting new programme of events and
activities designed to inspire and connect all Devonians
with their local heritage.”
As well as supporting improvements and essential
conservation work, funds raised by the 2020s Development Appeal aims to support a calendar of community
activities and events, all designed make the ancient
Devon landmark more inclusive, accessible and sustainable for the future. As the cathedral’s Director of
Above, once a more efficient heating system is in place in Exeter Cathedral's Quire, a new Jubilee Pavement floor tile design will be
installed, based on the work of 19th century architect, Sir George Gilbert Scott. Image Credit: Acanthus Clews Architects
i
i
Conservation & Heritage Journal
27
