From Soot to Shine: The Conservation of Westminster Cathedral’s Decorative Mosaics
At the request of Suzi Pendlebury, Surveyor to the Fabric, a site visit was conducted on 9 August 2023 to assess the cleaning and conservation of the decorative mosaics in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel at Westminster Cathedral. Following the initial assessment, the project scope was expanded to include the cleaning of mosaics and marble finishes in the adjacent Chapel of the Sacred Heart.
The Blessed Sacrament Chapel, designed by Russian artist Boris Anrep and completed in 1962, features a progressive Biblical narrative that focuses on the sacrifice of the Eucharist. The mosaics in this chapel depict significant themes such as wheat and vines, symbolizing the bread and wine. Medallions along the altar rails represent the Passion of Christ, further reinforcing the chapel’s sacred themes.
In contrast, the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, which originally had mosaics installed in 1911-12, required replacements in 1916 due to deterioration. During the condition assessment of both chapels, the mosaics were found to be generally stable, although some loose tesserae were identified, especially as cleaning progressed in the Sacred Heart Chapel. Additionally, soot deposits from candles had discolored the surfaces of both chapels, with some areas heavily coated.
Cleaning tests were conducted to evaluate the materials’ response to conservation efforts. Both the mosaics and marble finishes responded positively, resulting in a noticeable visual improvement. The cleaning and conservation process, which took place between 9 September and 8 November 2024, was deemed a success, with the mosaics now restored to their original beauty and condition. The project not only enhanced the appearance of these important works of art but also ensured their preservation for future generations.
