Behind the Scenes – Carvings for St Clement Danes

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀

Our Master Stonemason Ziggy is currently working on carving a new Ionic capital.  This recognisable Iconic style features a pair of volutes with decorative floral detailing. Each original decorative capital is double sided with its own unique mason’s marks and measurements.

As stone masons, we take great pride in our ability to combine meticulous craftsmanship, artistic vision, and technical skill to create lasting tributes.

Photo Reference: We have included the current stone section that will be replaced and the new ‘work-in-process’ stone element.

𝗛𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁:
St Clement Danes Church, situated in the middle of the Strand, has been around since the 9th century, but the building we recognise today was masterfully designed by the celebrated architect Sir Christopher Wren in 1682, with the steeple being added by James Gibb in 1719.

During the Blitz, St Clement Danes suffered a devastating blow from an incendiary bomb, leaving only the outer walls and the tower standing.  For over a decade, the church lay abandoned until a global appeal led to its restoration. In 1958, St Clement Danes was re-consecrated as the central church of the Royal Air Force, with Queen Elizabeth II in attendance.

𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁:
The Steeple Dismantling and Rebuilding Programme covers essential works, including stone dismantling, off-site stone cleaning and repairs, stone production and replacement, stone rebuilding and associated works to lead coverings, railings and weathervane. The rebuilding of the steeple will see each element reinstated in its exact initial position so as to not deviate from the original design.

This project is in collaboration with St Clement Danes, the RAF, Stace LLP, Sheppard Architects and Hurst Peirce + Malcolm LLP on the collaborative restoration of the steeple to ensure the protection and preservation of this historic church for future generations.

𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀:
We specialise in the conservation, restoration, cleaning and remodelling of historic masonry, brickwork, facades and interiors. USL offers the most comprehensive services and expertise in both contemporary and historical stone masonry and stone carving, brickwork, faience, limestone, marble, stucco and much more.

Visit St Clement Danes website for more information: https://lnkd.in/eefaFH7x