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Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalen, Holloway, Bath

Conservation of Internal Niches and Wall Monument

The origins of the chapel are vague and though we know a chapel and leper hospice existed during the 11th and 12th centuries, the chapel was rebuilt c.1495 by Prior John Cantlow of Bath Abbey.

The four Bath stone statue niches probably date from this period and held statues of the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalen and Saint John the Evangelist, Cantlow's patron saint. Two niches were moved to the north aisle wall during renovations in the 19th century. The wall monument is dedicated to Ann Nicholas who died in 1662.

The stonework was deeply ingrained with black greasy dirt from years of candle smoke and dust. An initial inspection was carried out to verify the location of any polychromy then cleaning trials were done. Methods included, steamcleaning, ammonium carbonate poultices and warm water washing and brushing with bristle brushes. This variety of methods created a unified whole of each piece so that the passing of time is still reflected but the detailed carving is now much easier to read. Some lime mortar repairs were applied, open joints were filled and a little sheltercoat applied to friable areas.

Client: Bath Municipal Charities and St John's Hospital
Architect: Alan Hardiman