Renovations and Rewards
Renovating any of our old churches to make it more user friendly can cause a large amount of disruption for congregations and ministry teams alike, but most would agree it's worth it.
And when it generates a prestigious architects award, there are double celebrations.
Salisbury’s St Ann’s Gate Architects have been recognised for their work at St Thomas’s parish church in Salisbury city centre. Recognition came at the prestigious UK Church Architecture Awards.
The 2021 Presidents’ Award recognises the quality of a major project to renovate and re-order the nearly six hundred-year-old church. As well as conservation work to the famous Doom Painting, the project involved the reordering of the west end entrance and the installation of new seating and of a fine nave altar.
The awards are run by the National Churches Trust and the Ecclesiastical Architects and Surveyors Association. Church architect Antony Feltham-King and project chair John Foster received the award from HRH The Duke of Gloucester at a ceremony at St Mary Magdalene’s in Paddington. Particular mention was made of the way in which the works bring benefit to the local community.
John said:
"We are reaching the end of a long and complex journey. I am grateful to the team who have worked with me and to St Ann's Gate Architects who have guided us every step of the way with expert advice. We are all thrilled that our architect Antony Feltham-King has received this great accolade."
Church architect, Antony said:
"It has been so rewarding to work with the church over many years to bring their ancient building into the twenty-first century. This combines contemporary design, such as the new altar by Hindon-based Matthew Burt, and the conservation of the medieval Doom painting, by Peter Martindale, wall-painting conservation specialist, based in Fovant."
Rector Canon Kelvin said:
"Hundreds of people have helped to make this happen and that is appropriate because we are all about people. Although primarily a place for the worship of God, St Thomas’s is now much better placed to host concerts, charity fundraisers and community activities for people of all ages. Next up is the Christmas Tree Festival starting on November 30."
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