A 19th Century altar frontal used in St James’ Church, Hindlip for over 120 years has been restored to its former glory by West Mercia Constabulary.

The church relic, believed to date back to around 1880, has been painstakingly restored by a dedicated group of skilled embroiderers who have spent a total of over 60 hours working on the 89cm  x 175cm frontal to repair its cloth over two months.

Now it has been carefully framed to protect it from future damage and will be hung in reception at force headquarters, Hindlip Hall near Worcester. The force is also keen to find out who made the work of art.

The frontal was assessed as being of artistic and historic significance by Althea Mackenzie, Curator of Wade Costume Collection at Hereford Museum. In a report for the Force, she described it as being ‘of exceptional quality and design’.

Her report went on to say: “The obvious Pre-Raphaelite influence and the exquisite workmanship suggest an artist and workshop of repute.”

Enquiries are still being made to trace the origins of the altar frontal but it is believed to have been commissioned after the 1860 restoration and refurbishment of St James’ Church, which is on the police HQ site.

After around 128 years use in the church, wear and tear and excessive handling had made the gold embroidered panel fragile.

A group of five volunteers, led by Kath Hollands from Malvern, undertook the restoration. Mrs Hollands, Carolyn Lewis-Barclay from Worcester and Joan Harris, Sally Ziesler and Phyllida Lewis-Bowen all from Malvern are all members of the National Association of Decorative & Fine Arts Societies, NADFAS.

Mrs Hollands said: “It is wonderful that after this beautiful piece of work was discovered by church recorders it will now be seen by lots of people. It was really in very good condition for its age. It was a lovely piece of restoration to do.”

David Hawkins, Lay Chairman of the Diocese of Worcester, said: “We are grateful to the ladies who have restored this altar frontal and to West Mercia Constabulary for their commitment to completing this project.”

Chief Constable Paul West, who hosted an informal reception last Friday [April 04] to thank those who worked to restore the altar frontal, said: “In the year that West Mercia Constabulary has celebrated its 40th anniversary, it seems highly fitting that this important piece of the history of the Hindlip site is now preserved for future generations and will be displayed where it can be seen and enjoyed by many people.

“The successful completion of this project is entirely due to the efforts of Nikki Vesper from the force’s Estate Services Department who has managed it on a voluntary basis throughout.”

Paul Deneen, Chair of West Mercia Police Authority, said: “We are extremely grateful to the dedicated and skilled volunteers who gave up their time to restore this beautiful piece of work, which is an integral part of local and force history. Today’s event has been an opportunity to thank those involved personally and to admire the result of their work.”

Nikki Vesper, Senior Receptionist for HQ, said: “This has been a wonderful project to work on. I have learned so much and met some really interesting people as a result. I am delighted that this intricate and beautiful piece will now be prominently displayed at force headquarters for staff and visitors to enjoy for many years to come.”

Anyone who believes they may be able to help with information about the provenance of the altar cloth should contact the force on 08457 444888.

Standing left to right – Paul Deneen, Chair of West Mercia Police Authority; Carolyn Lewis-Barclay; Clive Lewis-Barclay; Chief Constable Paul West. Seated L-R Sally Zeisler; Joan Harris; Kath Hollands and Phyllida Lewis Bowen. Front [on floor] Nikki Vesper.