Historic Buildings

Restoring Traquair’s Vision: The Clayworth Murals Project

St Peter’s Church, Clayworth, is a place of exceptional historic and architectural interest, reflecting many phases of development from the Saxon period onwards. The building contains significant historic fabric and furnishings - 1556 Fitzwilliam Tomb, 12 superb stained glass windows, 17th century Rectors’ Book - and has been at the centre of worship and community life for centuries. One of the church’s most important features are the wall paintings by Phoebe Traquair. These murals are the largest work by this internationally recognised Arts and Crafts artist outside Scotland and represent a rare example of early twentieth-century ecclesiastical mural painting in England. The primary aim of the project is to conserve the murals: they were added to the At Risk Register due to active deterioration. The project will increase understanding, access and engagement through activities, learning and interpretation, ensuring this heritage is better understood and cared for in the long term.