Project Updates: Oldest to latest | Latest to oldest

31/05/2015 16:03: Window Restoration in Progress

On 29th May we were able to visit Chapel Studios in Hertfordshire who are undertaking the repair and restoration of the three sets of windows.

The two windows which are just plain leaded lights have been cleaned and re-leaded and are now ready for returning to the Church once the stonework repairs are completed.

One of the stained glass windows was on the work bench and being traced (similar to taking a brass rubbing). Once the tracing has been completed the glass will be laid out on top of the tracing before being taken apart, cleaned, reassembled and any missing pieces of glass replaced with new. See the picture gallery for pictures of the work.

27/05/2015 17:10: Stonework Preparation

Over the last 10 days the stonemason has been cutting out the areas that are to be replaced with new stonework.

This has been done on all three windows on the external side. Templates have been prepared to enable the stonemason to prepare the replacement stones which will all be done on site. Following an inspection by the architect and a review of the stone samples the new stones will be "Stoke Ground Base Bed", a type of Bath stone.  See picture gallery for latest pictures.

14/05/2015 19:02: Windows Cleaned

On the 8th May the external stonework was cleaned using the "TORC" cleaning system.

The TORC system creates a gentle swirling vortex using a mixture of low air pressure, little water and a safe inert fine granulate. This has removed the build up of carbon and dirt to enable the architect and stonemason make the final decisions on which stones will be totally replaced and which ones will have indent repairs made to them.

29/04/2015 09:40: Removal of the Leaded Light and Stained Glass Windows

Project work commences with the careful removal of the windows by a glass conservator from Chapel Studios.

On April 20th Chapel Studios based in Hertfordshire carefully removed the three South Nave Windows. The windows have now been taken to their studio to commence the restoration work. When the project first started we had hoped the repairs to the windows could be done in-situ but due to the need to replace a lot of the stone surrounds it was decided that the windows should be removed. This will enable a longer lasting repair to be undertaken as over time the windows had begun to bow. The windows will be cleaned, disassembled, re-leaded, cracked panels repaired and new glass provided where glass sections are missing.

Whilst we know that the stained glass window dates back to the late 1800s we are unsure of the exact age of the glass in the two leaded light windows. The view of the glass conservator removing the windows was that a significant number of the glass panels in the two plain windows are original dating back to the 1600s. As part of the project Chapel Studios will provide a formal report on the windows which will confirm the likely age of the glass.

Now that the glass has been removed the next phase of the project can commence which will be by Torc cleaning the stonework prior to cutting out and measuring up for the replacement stones.

24/04/2015 11:23: The light of the world – shining through repaired windows thanks to a grant for St Lawrence Church from SITA Trust.

The light of the world – shining through repaired windows thanks to a grant for St Lawrence Church from SITA Trust.



The community of St Lawrence Church Morden, is today celebrating the news that it has received a £30,570 funding boost from SITA Trust to repair three important windows and their stonework.



St Lawrence Church building is 400 years old, and one of the few Grade 1 listed buildings in the area. The south windows and their surrounding stonework have suffered from decay through the effects of weather and acid rain, and any repairs must be done with great craftsmanship to reflect the age of the building. This grant will enable St Lawrence Church to bring the south windows back to a good state of repair so that this beautiful and important building can continue to be a place of Christian worship to serve the local community.



Rev David Heath-Whyte of St Lawrence Church said "We are custodians both of the life changing message of Jesus Christ, and a beautiful 17th Century building, and we want to make sure that both are fully available to those who live around us. We are grateful to the SITA Trust for this grant which will help so much."



Jools Granville of SITA Trust added "We are delighted to have been able to support this project through the Landfill Communities Fund. Significant repairs will protect and enhance this architecturally important building for the benefit of the whole community."