Conservators from Skillingtons worked with an international team led by Graham Abrey for the Balkan Heritage Foundation with the National Institution Stobi at a site in North Macedonia. They were helping to conserve part of one of the most important buildings at Stobi; the 4th century Roman residential Theodosian Palace. An exemplar trial was wanted to show how current conservation practices could work for the rest of the site. The works consisted of repairing damage to a wall caused by post-excavation exposure to the atmosphere and the failure over time of historic attempts to stabilise it, and included repairs to the wall head and consolidating losses through salt damage. Whilst working on the site in May 2024, Skillingtons trained local heritage workers in conservation best practice and maintenance. The project was funded by the Kaplan Fund. Stobi is a Roman city archaeological site, mainly dating from the Early Imperial (1st century BC) to Late Antiquity (6th century AD) periods. It is vast, with many important buildings and mosaics, much of it yet unexcavated. Next to the River Vardar in North Macedonia, it is easy to appreciate Stobi’s strategic position. The Palace was excavated in the 1920s, and in […]
At Wingfield church on Wednesday 10th April 2024 between 2pm-4pm, Skillingtons are hosting a free ‘pop-up’ event on behalf of the Church Monuments Society. All welcome. Join us if you can for a unique insight into ongoing conservation works by Skillington Workshop Ltd. at the fascinating St Andrews Church, Wingfield, in Suffolk. Skillingtons are working on the fine late-15th-century alabaster monument to John de la Pole, Duke of Suffolk, and his wife Elizabeth (Plantagenet, sister of Edward IV and Richard III). They are also re-inspecting the wooden effigies of Michael de la Pole, Earl of Suffolk and his wife Katherine Stafford (carved c.1410). Senior Conservators from Skillingtons will explain the work they are doing. There may be a rare chance to see the underside of the wooden effigies during the conservation works. St Andrews is a Grade I listed church that was built from 1362. As the de la Poles of Wingfield Castle continued to gain wealth and power, they beautified the church extensively in the 14th and 15th centuries, and had their magnificent tombs placed there. Donations to the church will be welcome on the day. A portaloo will be in situ at […]
