WEST SUSSEX.- Chichester Cathedral Restoration & Development Trust announce the arrival of the conservators working to save the Tudor paintings in Chichester Cathedral.

Following a national appeal to raise £250,000 to save the Tudor paintings by Lambert Barnard in Chichester Cathedral the work has now begun.

Alison Godfrey, Director of the Chichester Cathedral Restoration & Development Trust says ‘So far we have managed to raise £202,000 towards the project. However, the paintings are in such a critical condition that it was not possible to wait any longer before the stabilisation could commence. We are delighted that the appointed conservators, The Hamilton Kerr Institute (part of the Fitzwilliam Museum , Cambridge) joined us on 11th January to begin this vital work’.

‘The paintings, of international significance, featured on the BBC2 Culture Show in October 2010 and this really helped us raise the money. We just hope that visitors, historians and art enthusiasts will now help us with this final amount that we desperately need.’

‘The work that is being carried out is critical and will prevent any further deterioration for the time being. The paintings are completely unique, nothing like them survives in either this country or Europe . It is our responsibility to look after them and make sure they survive for future generations’.

‘The work on the paintings is being done in the Cathedral. The panels are 32ft x 14ft and the scaffolding has viewing platforms to let visitors see both the paintings at eye level and also the conservators at work. The viewing platforms are open on a regular basis but only for limited periods – please look at the Cathedral website for exact timings www.chichestercathedral.org.uk or telephone 01243 782595 to find out when the platforms are open.’

‘We would really like to encourage everyone who is interested to come to the Cathedral, which is open every day, free of charge, and see the paintings. If the platform is open when you visit you will also be able to have a close up look. There is lots of information at hand to tell you more about why they are so significant.’

A lecture by the Rupert Featherstone, from The Hamilton Kerr Institute will take place in the Cathedral on 14th February 2011 at 6.30pm. The lecture is also offered free of charge and all are welcome.

The Cathedral is open every day and there is no admission charge. Further information about the services and concerts at the Cathedral are always available on the Cathedral website.