ABOUT CORPUS CHRISTI CHAPEL

Corpus Christi College, founded in 1517, is one of Oxford’s oldest and most historic institutions. While the college is well-known for its prominent role in England’s religious history, its Grade I Listed Chapel had long been neglected. Over time, the chapel suffered from a range of issues, including poor lighting and acoustics, a lack of storage, a darkened fine timber ceiling, and damage to the delicate carvings of the screen and cornices. Additionally, areas of plaster had perished due to historic water ingress and an unsuitable paint finish. The chapel, however, plays a vital role in the college’s daily life, being used by fellows, students, staff, and the public on a regular basis.

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To mark Corpus Christi College’s 500th anniversary, the college sought to restore the original beauty of the chapel while maintaining its simple and serene atmosphere. The chapel was to be a central part of the anniversary celebrations, and as such, it was essential to approach the restoration with sensitivity, preserving its historical significance while addressing the wear and tear that had accumulated over the centuries.

Extensive research and investigation were carried out during the design stage, in collaboration with Cliveden Conservation, to evaluate appropriate methods for cleaning, repairing, and restoring the chapel’s features. The dark appearance of the joinery was found to be the result of varnish applied in the 19th century. Old lime plaster had perished in certain areas, primarily due to past water damage and the application of an unsuitable paint finish. Additionally, lighting trials were conducted to determine the most effective solution, while discussions with Oxford Diocese and Historic England provided further guidance for the restoration process.

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The comprehensive refurbishment and restoration works were carried out according to a detailed programme, with a focus on preserving the chapel’s historical integrity. The work included:

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• Removal of perished plaster and unsuitable paint finishes to restore the original surfaces and textures.

• Cleaning and restoring the panelling, stabilising the cornice, and preserving the ante-chapel screen (dating from around 1675-1676).

• Cleaning the organ case and improving acoustics by removing carpets and heavy curtains that had previously dampened sound.

• Cleaning and repairing historical monuments within the chapel to restore their former glory.

• Installing new storage within the ante-chapel, cleverly concealed behind panelled screens to preserve the space’s aesthetics.

• Cleaning and refinishing the timber ceiling, including the restoration of 112 carved gilded bosses that had dulled over time.

• Replacing the fire detection system with an aspirator-type system that had no visual impact on the chapel’s appearance.

• Installing a new scene-setting LED lighting system, including backlighting for the east stained glass window, to enhance the chapel’s ambiance and visual appeal.

• Ensuring that the restoration work did not cause any disturbance to the chapel’s acoustics, an essential aspect of the space.

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The restoration of Corpus Christi College Chapel is a testament to the importance of preserving historical landmarks while adapting them for continued use. Through careful research, collaboration, and attention to detail, the restoration has brought the chapel back to its original splendour, providing a beautiful setting for future generations to appreciate and celebrate. This meticulous work allowed the college to commemorate its 500th anniversary in a space that is both historically significant and functionally appropriate for modern use.

We are also very honoured that this restoration received the Oxford Preservation Trust Award. 

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Photographs courtesy of Matt Livey.