The unveiling of the Royal Arms, following conservation, took place on the 5th May.  The evening was an informal Q&A with the conservators, Stephen Rickerby and Lisa Shekede, who have carried out a remarkable transformation.  The work took them just over 3 weeks and was carried out from scaffolding which had been erected especially for them.

The Arms appear to be on four diagonal boards.  Stephen and Lisa painstakingly removed all the grime and dust which had accumulated and discovered this vibrant display as can be seen from the attached picture.  They have not repainted any part of the Arms, merely cleaned.

During the evening, they showed before and after pictures, together with pointing out minute details which previously could not have been seen including the I painted underneath the C, the use of azurite which was an expensive commodity in those times, the use of a nail as the unicorn’s eye, the face drawn into the curve of the harp and many more.

It really is a tremendous transformation and we are pleased that Stephen and Lisa will be returning in April 2027 to start the conservation of the murals in the Chancel – the final part of their involvement in the Stowey Revived Project.