Historic finds at Great Yarmouth site

Wednesday 1st February 2012

Restoration work at St George’s Chapel has uncovered “lavish and unique” original paint finishes on its timber columns which experts believe are of major historical significance.

A team from the University of Lincoln discovered the 300-year-old finishes hidden under many layers of paint, which had been applied over the centuries, and they appear to be still intact and well preserved.   

The four most important columns, at the East end of the building, were decorated with an opulent scheme imitating lapis lazuli using ground blue glass and gold.  Experts now believe that these were part of a much more extensive paint scheme covering the entire chancel.

Michael Crick-Smith, a senior research fellow at the University of Lincoln, said: “What makes this find so exciting is the exceptional quality of these finishes. You would normally only find such work in Royal Palaces and, in addition, we have found very unusual application techniques were used.  We consider this to be a find of national importance.”

At present only small sample areas of the columns have been treated.  Consultation is now taking place between Hopkins Architects, English Heritage and the St George’s Trust to decide whether to reveal all or some of the original columns. 

“Great Yarmouth Borough Council’s Conservation Officer, Darren Barker, added: “While it would be great to reveal the columns in their original state for the public to see, we also need to consider how this can be blended into a working performance venue.  We must ensure the long-term protection of the finishes, and of course cost may in the short term be a factor. Whatever decision is made, we are keen that it does not delay the completion of the building works.”