Turning Over A New Leaf

The Leaves of Southwell brings new life to Southwell Minster

Southwell Minster’s historic Chapter House reopened towards the end of 2021 following a crucial conservation and repair project. This latest phase in the building’s care has not only brought new life to the 13th century wonder but showcases its internationally renowned stone carvings through a fascinating reinterpretation of the space.

The Leaves of Southwell project’s aims were to carry out essential works to the high quire roof, which was in a poor state of repair as well as conserve and retell the story of Southwell Minster’s unique stone carvings of leaves, faces and mythical creatures. Designed to appeal to the general public, the project spotlights the sheer delights and craftmanship of the carvings and highlights their importance.

It has been without a doubt an ambitious project, the overall cost of which was £3.1million funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Friends of Southwell Cathedral, and other generous donors.

While the fabric of the Chapter House has undergone ‘light touch’ conservation work, the addition of 21st century features make the visitor more able to appreciate its beauty and ensure its future protection. For the first time in its 700-year history the Chapter House is illuminated properly with hi-tech lighting that not only allows visitors to see the beautiful carvings by both day and night, but has also opened up opportunities for the space to host evening events and activities. the Chapter House the warmest part of the building. Also, accessibility has improved significantly with the installation of a new handrail and cantilever lift, tactile carvings and interpretation materials, in addition to a new children’s trail. This has proven particularly significant as the Minster welcomes so many diverse audiences and has enhanced the experience for everyone.

Another key part of the project has involved the repair and renewal of the Minster’s high roof at the east end, which had been leaking for some time. The whole roof has been recovered to make it watertight and keep the building safe. The Minster grounds and Palace Gardens brought together a team of professionals who worked alongside the Minster staff. The team included specialist builders and conservation experts, architects and archaeologists, quantity surveyors, designers, accessibility and evaluation consultants as well as an outreach team whose role it was / is to excite and engage the local and wider community. Thanks to the funders, sheer determination and the combined human effort and expertise, the project has been delivered in a way that will protect, interpret and better present the beautiful and historic medieval carvings for future generations. The project was several years in the planning, as the team shaped the capital works and community events to best serve the Minster. The conservation needs of the building were a driving force, but the leaves, in addition to their historical

Other key advances have included the installation of underfloor heating to keep the environment constant which helps to preserve the ancient stonework and has made significance and architectural brilliance, presented an opportunity for the team to consider wider issues of the environment and nature as we work towards more sustainable and planet-aware generations though a suite of new guides and activities to support the work.

Diana Ives, Head of Education for Southwell Minster and the Leaves of Southwell Project, said “The process saw us in discussions as early as 2016 and we all felt that the link with nature and conservation was something that could be of great interest to the public. We could see great mileage with engagement through this theme and in celebrating the messages that the medieval stone masons had carved.

“By incorporating themes which would attract community interest we were able to work the renovation required into a comprehensive project that would allow us to achieve our restoration goals, bring in new audiences and celebrate the rich history of the leaves. It was on this basis that we were able to secure funding from the Heritage Fund and the support of the Friends of Southwell Cathedral, without which it would have been impossible.”

The fluid carvings of plants, animals, mythical creatures and green men found within the Chapter House – known collectively as ‘The Leaves of Southwell’ – are of quite exceptional quality. Widely regarded as among the best examples of 13th century naturalistic carving of leaves and plants in the United Kingdom, and indeed Europe, they are of significant global importance. The project has not only highlighted this but is bringing new visitors to the Minster and opening up many learning opportunities with education providers, keen to bring their students to see the leaves and experience the space for themselves.

The interest that has surrounded the project from day one has been encouraging, too. The Minster team has found innovative ways to increase awareness and stimulate curious minds. During the High Quire roof renovation, which commenced in December 2019 and involved replacing decaying timbers and adding new slates, they held roof tours, using the scaffolding, which enabled people for the first time in two centuries to get up close to the gargoyles. The scaffolding itself was almost 8.7 miles long, such was the scale of the work.

During the lockdowns of 2020/21 they also held a number of online talks which saw new fans from far and wide, even as far as Canada! Once the Chapter House opened its doors again, the space has been inundated with visitors and the engagement team are also working on specific collaborations with local schools and vulnerable education providers, with the Minster now also able to help with transport costs for some groups on occasion. There has also been some great face-to-face engagement with Southwell Reach Learning Disability who have been running art and nature activities inspired by the leaves, and with Reach Flower Pod Newark and Southwell-based artist Sarah Flanagan, to create a piece of art that combined the plants in their garden with those seen at the Chapter House.

Diana added: “It has been a joy to be involved in this project and to be able to share this national treasure with so many visitors. I never get tired of watching children discover the dragons, green men and other real and imagined creatures among the leaves as we tell stories, learn about structures and use the carvings to inspire creativity! We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our volunteer researchers and guides, the academics who have worked alongside the team and to countless others who have given their time to contribute to the success of the project.

During the pandemic, work continued to the Chapter House, almost in secret, when the Cathedral was closed. Now we have reopened fully, it’s incredibly exciting to see visitors, old and young, new and those who already know and love the space, benefiting from the hard work as they discover more about the leaves and the medieval masons who designed and carved them, wondering at the minds who imagined the creatures nestling among the leaves, and the skilled hands who brought them to life. The Palace Gardens provide a calming, beautiful outdoor community space which is a poignant reminder to us of the solace many of us found in nature during the pandemic.”

The Education Team, assisted by a team of wonderful freelancers and volunteers, continue to drive community engagement with talks, nature rambles, ancient tree identification with the Woodland Trust, art workshops with schools and care homes, family trails and activities, and even a lockdown-inspired nature photo competition. The top 12 images from the photo competition were also turned into a beautiful calendar for 2022 which is available to purchase from The Cathedral Shop, in person or online.

The Minster, including the Chapter House and its truly wonderful Leaves of Southwell is open daily from 8.30am until 6.30pm Mon-Sat and 8.00am until 4.30pm on Sunday (always check website for access restrictions or closures) and the new space really brings a touch of magic to the already delightful building, steeped in so much important history. The project will be complete on 31st December 2022, but it leaves a lasting legacy for visitors for generations to come.

To visit the Leaves of Southwell or find out more on what’s happening at Southwell Minister, visit: www.southwellminster.org/the-leaves-of-southwell