Photograph (4) of polychromy conservation in the St. John Chapel, 2019

Decorative polychromy (various colours used in art of painting architecture) in the St. John Chapel during and following conservation carried out by Jane Rutherfoord & Associates with the assistance of conservation trainees in 2019. The red marbled effect of the paint was designed to simulate marble and can be seen on the walls of the chapel as well as the ceiling. It is echoed in the architectural features painted on the family polyptych. The bright blue and cloud scattered ceiling represents a celestial sky.

The conservation work to the polychromy was led by the late Eddie Sinclair as part of the £1 million St. Mary's Church Conservation Project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Friends of Lydiard Park and other donors. Prior to conservation the polychromy was obscured by layers of dirt and had suffered damage and loss. The painstaking work of repairing and cleaning has transformed the St. John Chapel, revealing the rich depth of the pigments and the artistry of the decoration.