Pews that move, and walls refreshed
St Mary’s in Bitton is the southernmost church within our area of service, situated just north of the River Avon and close to the Wiltshire border.
This impressive Grade I listed building features significant Saxon craftsmanship, making it a site of historical and architectural importance.
We are proud to have assisted with two major projects at St Mary’s, each distinct in nature but equally valuable to the church’s ongoing care and use.
The first initiative focused on making the church building more versatile
A common goal for many parishes. The fixed pews, while of fine quality and historic significance, posed a challenge as their removal would have likely sparked debate. After careful consideration, the decision was made to make the pews movable instead. This flexibility allows the church to create open spaces for special events or adapt seating arrangements as needed.
The project required expert joinery and involved a thoughtful period of experimentation to ensure success. Our accompanying photo demonstrates the improved versatility now possible within the church.
The second project addressed the condition of the interior stonework.
Over the years, the walls had become discoloured, detracting from the beauty of the nave. This effort was far more than a cosmetic undertaking; it also involved the conservation of the stonework and preservation of remaining patches of ancient plaster.
Techniques used in this project include methods pioneered at Notre Dame Cathedral, which faced its own restoration challenges after the fire. Work on the walls began in January 2025, and we look forward to showcasing the completed project on our website once finished.
A key aspect of this restoration involved cleaning the walls using an innovative latex-based paste infused with a gentle cleaning agent. After application, the paste cures over a couple of days, forming a peelable film that lifts away pollutants from the stone surfaces.
Care was taken to avoid over-cleaning, preserving the character and patina of the building. This same method was used to clean the walls of Notre Dame in Paris, where it addressed the dual challenge of soot and lead dust from the fire.
Although some believed Notre Dame's walls appeared overly pristine post-cleaning, the approach was essential for removing hazardous lead particles embedded in the stonework.
We worked just as carefully at St Mary’s, striving to balance restoration with authenticity in this beautiful historic space.