The Romanesque frieze on the West End of Lincoln Cathedral, dated 1123 – 1148, depicts scenes from the Old Testament, as well as the Last Judgement. It is the most significant surviving collection of Norman figure carving in England. By the 1980s, the carvings were deteriorating due to erosion and air pollution and the decision was made to remove and conserve them. A replica of the north frieze was commissioned from the carver John Roberts (whom I shared a workshop with at this period) and was installed and unveiled in 2001. The original carvings have since been displayed in the cathedral as they were too fragile to remain in their original location. At this time the sculptures of the Southern run were boarded up to avoid further deterioration, awaiting treatment later.
The current phase of works plans to complete things by commissioning a complete copy of the Southern run. This will then be installed in a display at a new location in the cloisters alongside the original panels so that the public will be able to appreciate the entire scheme at close quarters. The original panels are to be retained on the building following conservation, and closely monitored. If further decay necessitates their removal, they will be replaced with the copies.
I am one of a team of 4 carvers asked to undertake the work, and have been commissioned to carve the panels depicting The Expulsion ( of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden ) and God Instructing Noah to build the Ark.