Wells Cathedral: Conservation of Figure Sculpture 1977–1986

Abstract

The present article is a critical review of the decision process and conservation measures at Wells Cathedral in Wells, Somerset, England over a period of approximately 14 years. Conservation of figure sculptures on the West Front of Wells Cathedral was undertaken without adequate prior study and without provision for training conservators. Early experiments with limewater for stone hardening predisposed the architect, A. D. R. Caroe, and his Clerk of Works to the methods developed by Eve and Robert Baker. An advisory committee was appointed; however, the decision to appoint Robert Baker as Consultant Conservator was taken by Caroe. Baker resigned midway through the work, after which the training and supervision of conservators was limited. The campaign (1977–1986) resulted in lime mortar repairs to figures that improved their capacity for survival; however, the excessive use of water resulted in dissolving the sulphate crusts that replicated the original carved surfaces.