A study of the materials and techniques of 13th century tomb of aveline, countess of lancester, in Westminster Abbey

Abstract

Abstract The subject of this study is the 13th century polychrome tomb of Aveline de Forz, Countess of Lancaster, which occupies a striking central position on the north side of the Sanctuary in Westminster Abbey. A key surviving work of the loosely termed ‘Westminster school’ of the 13th and 14th centuries, the tomb is remarkable for the outstanding quality of its once elaborate polychromy, the remains of which have survived for 700 years through periods of iconoclasm and neglect. Research was based around a visual survey and technical examination of the tomb's surviving paintwork. The focus of this article is on the materials and techniques of the decorative scheme and their context in the 13 th century: the current state of the tomb conceals the lavish use of expensive pigments and metal leaf, applied with consummate skill. The article also highlights some findings about the painted decoration which help to resolve questions raised by historians and architects about the structure and style of the tomb.