Lambert Barnard

The Chichester Cathedral Restoration & Development Trust has announced that work on stabilising the paintings by Tudor artist Lambert Barnard has begun. The Hamilton Kerr Institute - part of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge - is carrying out the work to halt further deterioration of the paintings, which took Barnard nearly 20 years to paint on oak panels. (He received a generous annual salary of £14 8s from his patron Bishop Sherburne.) These paintings are a national treasure, unique in Europe. It is scandalous that the trust relies solely on donations from the public to complete this work. It receives nothing from Government, English Heritage or the Heritage Lottery Fund. It has raised about £200,000 so far, but needs to raise another £50,000 to foot the bill. A special two-level viewing platform has been built, so that visitors can view the paintings at eye level and watch conservators at work. Lectures on The World of Lambert Barnard will be held on 14 February and 14 March. Click the title link for more information.