G&P Cohn was commissioned to remove, conserve and sympathetically re-electrify a bespoke nineteenth-century brass chandelier hanging within St Mary's Church, Wollaston. The chandelier had originally been made specifically for the church and carried engraved inscriptions identifying its provenance. The objective was to preserve its historic character whilst introducing a safe modern electrical installation and restoring the brass finish. Because of the considerable height of the installation, the work required extensive access equipment, careful planning and a methodical approach from removal through to final reinstallation.
The Piece
The chandelier is a substantial bespoke nineteenth-century brass fitting commissioned specifically for St Mary's Church. Decorative engravings incorporated into the brasswork record its connection with the church, making it an important historic object as well as a functional light fitting. Although structurally sound, the original electrical installation had reached the end of its serviceable life and the brasswork had become dull through many years of use.
Work Carried Out
- Erection of a full-height access scaffold beneath the chandelier
- Access to the upper suspension point through the church belfry
- Careful disconnection of the chandelier from the electrical supply
- Controlled winching of the chandelier to ground level
- Systematic dismantling of the fitting into individual components for transport
- Transport to our workshop for conservation work
- Removal of the original wiring
- Sympathetic re-electrification using modern components concealed within the original construction
- Careful hand polishing of the brasswork
- Application of a protective lacquer to preserve the restored finish
- Reassembly of the chandelier
- Return to the church and winching back into position
- Reconnection from within the belfry
- Final electrical testing and commissioning
Approach
Working within a historic church required careful planning at every stage. The chandelier was never intended to be removed routinely, and its considerable size and weight meant that lowering it safely required a purpose-built scaffold together with controlled winching equipment. Particular care was taken to preserve the engraved brasswork which records the chandelier's original association with St Mary's Church. Throughout the project the aim was conservation rather than alteration; modern electrical components were introduced discreetly so that the appearance and character of the nineteenth-century fitting remained unchanged.
Outcome
The completed chandelier now benefits from a safe, modern electrical installation while retaining its historic appearance and significance. The polished and lacquered brasswork once again reflects the quality of the original craftsmanship, while the bespoke engravings remain fully preserved. Following reinstallation and testing, the chandelier was returned to service within the church, where it continues to illuminate the interior as intended more than a century after it was first commissioned. Comparable ecclesiastical work is documented in our conservation of a Flemish brass chandelier, and the wider approach to chandelier restoration and sympathetic re-electrification is set out on the relevant service pages.
