Tyneside’s religious artefacts to be returned to former glory

Jul 25 2009 by Paul Loraine, The Journal

RELIGIOUS artefacts from the region could be restored to their former glory in a special project.

Up to 65% of Tyneside’s religious furniture and other items are thought to be hidden from public view due to damage and disrepair.

Hayes & Finch – a manufacturer and supplier of church furnishings – has launched ‘Project Restore’, an initiative designed to bring these treasured items back into mainstream use.

Karen Reilly, production director at Hayes & Finch said: “All too often collection plates, communion tables and other items are left damaged by the ravages of time and rather than being repaired they’re put away out of sight. With such demands on church funds there’s often little left in the pot and that’s a real shame.”

Project Restore is asking churches of all denominations and stately homes across the UK to nominate items which they feel are worthy of cleaning, repair and renovation.

The items could vary from a 100 year old collection plate to a commemorative plaque or a credence table.

A team of judges from Hayes & Finch’s metal shop and furniture factory, the Archdeacon of London and Brother Ken Vance from Saint Francis Xavier’s Church in Liverpool will judge the entries before choosing the three most worthy items.

The overall winner will see their artefacts restored to a value of £1,500 and two runners’ up will receive £750 each towards the refurbishment of their items.

Karen said: “Many items have both religious and personal significance to many people and we’re looking for items which have a real story to tell – perhaps the collection plate is as old as the church or you’d like to see the pulpit restored in time for centenary celebrations.

“We really hope this project will have broad appeal and that church committees, clergy, congregations, curators and estate managers will all get involved.”

Project Restore is open for nominations until the Wednesday September 30. To take part and make a nomination, churches and stately homes should send a photo of the item and a paragraph explaining why it should be selected.

Entries should be sent to projectrestore@hfltd.com or by post to Project Restore c/o Hayes & Finch, Hanson Road, Aintree, Liverpool, L9 7BP.

The winners will be announced in October 2009 and notified by telephone.