Friends of the Painted Church

To repair/conserve six historic textiles (altar furnishings) at All Saints’ Church in Cambridge, which ceased being used for worship in 1973. The textiles date from the late 1800s and reflect the work of the church’s architect G F Bodley and artist William Morris and their companies, Watts & Co. and Morris & Co. There are 2 embroidered silk altar frontals, 2 superfrontals, and 2 altar side (Riddell) curtains. They are in very poor repair and need conservation to preserve the Church’s integrity and give visitors an appreciation of the church as it was. The church is Grade I listed, partly as a result of the interior decoration, and was taken into the care of the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) since 1981. Specialist textile advisors have confirmed the rarity, quality and historic importance of the textiles.
The church is open to the public for tours and specialist events, as well as for events like Open Cambridge, exhibitions, talks, workshops and concerts. The Friends of the Painted Church (FOPC) are committed to the CCT maxim of trying to make their historic churches live again. As a result of FOPC efforts both the local community and other visitors are increasing, and All Saints’ now has a significant profile in Cambridge.