If you have been into St Edward’s, Stow, in the past week you will have noticed something missing from the wall near the South Door. The long overdue professional conservation of our very large 17th- century painting of the Crucifixion got underway on 23rd October. In a fascinating process, the painting was carefully removed from the wall, given initial cleaning and protective repairs, removed from its frame and then rolled around a large drum before being removed to the Bristol studio of International Fine Art Conservation Studios. The painting will be returned to Stow after about five months. During its absence, an almost lifesize facsimile will hang in its place.

In view of the size of the canvas, the conservation process is very expensive and far beyond any justifiable cost for St Edward’s. However, the painting has been an integral part of the church’s heritage since 1837, and needs to be kept in a fit condition for the benefit of future generations. Fortunately, we have been successful in getting grants and donations that cover most of the cost from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Ian M Foulerton Charitable Trust, the National Churches Trust, the Leche Trust, St Andrew's Conservation Trust, Laslett's (Hinton) Charity and private donors.