Our conservators (Cliveden Conservation) are well underway with major conservation repair works to the historic monument in the Chapel to Sir John Pakington (d.1727). This monument is by Joseph Rose (1723-1780) who was in fact a celebrated maker of ornamental plaster, He created some of the finest plasterwork in Britain working with architects such as Robert Adam. Yet, in the chapel at Hampton Lovett Church we find something different. The monument to Sir John Pakington (d.1727) is a rarity. One of only two known examples (certainly in churches) of a monument sculpted by Joseph Rose. Sir John is shown as a rising figure and appears to be pointing to the inscription above and to his right inviting the observer to read.  This statue is a far cry from the ‘sleeping in death’ figures previously found in memorial sculpture.

To date all parts of the monument have been dismantled and cleaned. The walling behind has been examined and the process of rebuilding the monument has begun using new fixings as required.  Some interesting findings have emerged. When fully dismantled there are over sixty component parts to the monument. A giant jigsaw for our conservators to complete as rebuilding takes place! We know the monument was relocated to the Chapel in 1858-9 and within the packing behind we found a good example of Victorian glass. Intriguingly, an old handmade saw was discovered that had been left as a wedge in part of the monument. Presumably, the carpenter didn't miss it!  We were also pleased to discover the missing part of Sir John's thumb which will be reaffixed. Sadly, part of one finger remains lost.  All works should be completed soon. We'll attach a photo gallery later to this news story.