Maintaining the History of St John’s College

We are delighted that our long association with St John’s College in Cambridge continues and we are currently engaged in a range of interesting projects there.

Cupola

The C17 cupola over the college hall has begun to suffer the vagaries of the weather. Although the structure is fine, much of the decorative carving is deteriorating to such an extent that the profiles of carved heads and mouldings will soon be lost. We have advised on the restoration and liaised with the Conservation Team at Cambridge City Council to ensure that appropriate repairs can be carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Gargoyles

The stone ’gargoyles’ on the St John’s Street frontage are similarly eroding quite significantly. One has had to be removed for safety reasons and another now has a Hannibal Lecter-style muzzle! Beacon are currently researching the history of the features and working with the College’s stonemason so that an appropriate programme of conservation and re-carving can be instigated.