Click on image to enlarge

Westminster Cathedral, Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament - London

Conservation and cleaning of the mosaics and marble

The distinctive exterior of the C19th Westminster Cathedral heralds an equally dramatic interior, and some decades after the mosaics of the Lady Chapel had been completed it was decided to commission Boris Anrep to design a scheme for the Blessed Sacrament Chapel which was finalised in 1962. In the intervening years the mosaics had become very dirty and nearly indecipherable largely due to the continuous burning of candles within the chapel. The contract entailed cleaning and repair of the marble, including the floors, and mosaics.

Following recording and trials to establish the optimum cleaning methods, the whole area was initially vacuumed and dusted. The tessarae were then cleaned with a spirit based agent and Vulpex solution on the more stubborn areas. The carved areas of marble were cleaned using superheated steam and plain areas with water, water and Vulpex or with a solvent. Repairs and repointing in lime mortar were carried out and the marble was finally polished with microcrystalline wax which enhances the colour and provides protection. All decorative metalwork elements and leaded glazing were also cleaned.

Replacement of tesserae came from the original supplies from Venice held by the cathedral. When first commissioned the mosaic panels were very controversial and it is now again possible to see the remarkable colours including the shades of pink.

Architect: Michael Drury Architects
Client: Westminster Cathedral