ST MARY ABBOTS
ST MARY ABBOTS CENTRE
TWO EXCELLENT SPACES FOR HIRE
Central Kensington location in quiet cul-de-sac 5 minutes walk from Kensington High Street
tube station and 8 minutes from Notting Hill Tube, in Vicarage Gate.
EXPERT REPAIRS
F
Fr Gillean Craig reports on
the restoration of the high altar reredos
at St Mary Abbots
or many years now there have been
ominous – and developing – signs
of cracking and subsidence in the
lower part of the splendid marble and
mosaic reredos that towers above the high
altar. It was agreed that this had reached a
critical moment and a comprehensive
campaign of repair and restoration has
just been completed. We found that the
lower section, the ‘wall’ of alabaster
blocks, had not been pinned back to the
main East wall of the church, or even set
against anything solid – just a series of
rough brick pillars that were no longer
performing any functional purpose.
Victorian jerry building! Everything has
been dismantled, cleaned and polished; a
substructure of stainless steel beams
pinned back to the main wall inserted, to
avoid any further settlement; mosaic
tesserae regilded, everything replaced
securely and finally waxed. The altar,
which had perforce to be used as a
workbench, will be reconsecrated on
Sunday 29 June. We think that the whole
ensemble, now as fresh as the day it was
made, looks absolutely magnificent,
fitting backdrop to the mystery of the
Holy Eucharist. We hope that you agree.
24 | 2014 Spring
A venue for film and stage rehearsals, business meetings & seminars
presentations or meetings, family receptions (not weddings), children’s parties
Facilities include two kitchens, pay telephone, ample space for cloaks, disabled toilet,
central heating, car parking (limited) with theatre hiring
MAIN HALL(21 X 12 METRES) Holds 250 people
LONG ROOM(14 X 4.5 METRES) Holds 80 people
From £160.00/4 hours sessions
Charity rate from £80.00 £60.00 surcharge for evening & weekends
Information from: Adam Norton - SMA Centre Manager
St Mary Abbots Centre, Vicarage Gate, London W8 4HN
Telephone: 020 7937 8885 Mobile: 07812 428 010
Facsimilie: 020 7938 4317 Email: [email protected]