The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded a £1.69 million grant to Nottingham Cathedral. The fund will go towards the cathedral’s £2.3 million Restoring Pugin Project, which goals to revive the east end of the Cathedral.
Nottingham Cathedral was designed by Augustus Pugin in 1841, who after Sir Christopher Wren, Pugin might be probably the most famous architect in British history.
Pugin is best-known for his work on designing the inside of the Houses of Parliament in London and is taken into account by many to be the daddy of the Victorian Gothic Revival.
The Restoring Pugin Project goals to revive three chapels and ambulatories on the east end of Nottingham Cathedral back to Pugin’s original design.
Conservators have already found evidence of Pugin’s original designs underneath newer layers of paint.
The original designs appeared to incorporate text, floral patterns and starry ceilings in a bunch of vibrant colors and gold leaf.
Nottingham Cathedral hopes that the restoration work may even be a chance to boost its profile in town and welcome more visitors through its doors. The plans also include providing heritage training to local people.
The Cathedral said it was “deeply grateful” for the funding from the National Lottery, coming because it does within the a hundred and seventy fifth anniversary 12 months of the constructing rising from church to cathedral status.
Patrick McKinney, Bishop of Nottingham, said, “Thanks to National Lottery players, I’m delighted that we’re going to have the opportunity to Restore Pugin’s beautiful original design work to the Cathedral’s chapels over the approaching years.”
He added, “In restoring Nottingham Cathedral to its former glory, it’s my ardent desire to draw increasingly people of all ages and backgrounds, especially local people, to experience the Cathedral as a spot of beauty, living faith and peace within the midst of the City and an indication of hope in these difficult times we live in.”
