What is the memorial's maintenance history?
In 2011, War Memorials Trust gave a grant of £10,000 towards conservation and repair works to the memorial. WMT Trustees agreed to a larger grant under the Small Grants Scheme in this case due to the large cost of the project which was in excess of £30, 000, as well as because of the urgent requirement for the works.
Due to the location of the window in the Church it receives significant exposure to the elements in this coastal location. A major problem facing the window was that there was water ingress which in places was severe because in places the putty was falling out. In addition, some pieces of grass had cracked. This condition in addition to the memorial’s exposure to the weather meant it was high priority for the works to be undertaken otherwise further damage would be caused.
The works to the memorial were both to the glass as well as the surrounding masonry. The works to the glass included its removal for conservation work at the conservators’ workshop. Best practice work with historic glass means that the glass is thoroughly recorded before any works are undertaken to ensure that all pieces are returned to their original location as well as ensuring there are records of the original condition and materials should any replacement be required. The glass was cleaned with minimal methods; cracks to the glass were repaired; the glass was re-leaded to the original details and sizes and the lead was soldered; the panels were sealed with putty and tied and the window was returned to its original position.
The masonry works consisted of protecting the window whilst the glass was removed for conservation work. Previous inappropriate paint was removed and the stone was re-painted with a conservation ‘breathable’ paint. The use of household non-porous paints on historic stonework can be damaging as they do not allow the transfer of moisture in and out of the stone. Stone repairs and indents were undertaken where there had been previous damage from rust expansion of ferrous elements. Re-pointing was also undertaken where required and following re-introduction of the window.