Report from Mary Roberts, head borderer, Hereford Cathedral.

Hereford Cathedral Broderers were commissioned in January 2023 to restore the altar frontal at Turnastone. After close examination it was decided that the original red velvet cloth would have to be replaced. There was water damage, apparent insect damage and a fair amount of wax from blowing out candles. The fringe was badly damaged with sections missing and the corner seams were badly puckered so the frontal did not hang well. There were loose and missing threads on all five motifs.

The original frontal was probably late Victorian or early 20th century. It took some time to source replacement fabric of the right type and colour. Meanwhile the original slips (embroidered motifs) were taken off and tacked on to calico in individual frames so that they could be repaired. Many yards of twisted gold cord were handmade; the positions of the original cord traced off and tacked onto the new fabric. The gold cord was then couched down to attach it. When in place the motifs could be placed correctly and stitched down. Each one had to be outlined with black stranded thread as in the original, and this was also couched down. The corners were sewn on a sewing machine and the lining made to the same size then the two layers stitched together. Finally a new gold fringe was attached.

The restored altar frontal was returned to the Church in October 2023, and consecrated by the vicar, Revd Simon Lockett, during a service of Holy Communion on 5th November 2023.