This summer, by kind permission of the Diocese of Oxford and the Kingsey PCC, work is being carried out to remount the embroideries of the beautiful white altar frontal in St Nicholas Church in Kingsey.
The white altar frontal was designed and made by Lady Georgiana Wykeham and is thought to have been made shortly after the church was built in 1879. It forms part of a series of church embroideries in the same colour scheme.
The frontal contains goldwork and silk shading.
Unfortunately, the white silk of the main panel is now deteriorating, showing signs of weakness and soiling. Certain sections are now shredding; as you look at the frontal the fabric on the left hand side shows the worst signs of decay. This makes the embroidered motifs vulnerable to damage.
Elizabeth Bond, Kingsey resident and graduate of the Royal School of Needlework, is working in the church, repairing and remounting this beautiful altar frontal. Work commenced in July and will continue until 31st August 2016. During this time there will be days when the church will be open to the public and appointments are available for group visits. Refreshments will also be served.
Everyone is welcome to visit the church and see the work in progress between 11am and 5pm, on the following dates:
| Friday 19th August | Friday 26th August | |
| Saturday 20th August | Saturday 27th August | |
| Sunday 21st August | Sunday 28th August | |
| Monday 29th August |
Examples of Elizabeth's work can be seen here.
If you would like to book a private individual or group visit on a different day, please contact Elizabeth. The small fee for this includes refreshments and a talk about the history of the church.
Email: hello@thesmartstitcher.co.uk
Mobile: 07736 310776
The church address is:
St. Nicholas Church, Risborough Road, Kingsey, Buckinghamshire, HP17 8LY.
