Renewal of the decorative scheme by the conservator's, Sally Strachey is 65% complete.

The level of representation of the chancel decoration has been considered over a number of years. In summary the focus was agreed to be the east elevation with the upper frieze drawing the eye in. The definition of the banded decoration should be drawn out with the dado section improved. the level of retouching through the middle section should then be considered to reach a harmonious result. The process being applied is as follows:

• The lost background was reintegrated with putty lime wash mixed with natural pigments designed to match the original.

• The detail has been retouched with water based colours to match the original.

• Where stencils have been used for the original scheme these were recreated and used to reinstate repetitive decoration at higher level.

• When most of the work at higher level had been achieved the scaffolding was removed to allow the team to see the decoration more clearly as a whole. The remaining programme will be carried out using tower scaffolding.

The south elevation after consolidation and ready for retouching
The north wall design being restored
The middle section of the north wall before the conservation programme
The north side of the east elevation before conservation
The south side of the east elevation before conservation
Detail of the middle section of decoration after cleaning
East elevation on the north side after cleaning
The south elevation high level frieze after cleaning
Crack filling on the south elevation frieze in progress