Lichfield Cathedral has joined the Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship (CWF)
image: CFW
… a bold step forward in preserving traditional craft skills and embracing innovative techniques…
CWF writes:
We are excited to announce that Lichfield Cathedral has become the newest member of the renowned Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship (CWF). This significant collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Lichfield Cathedral’s history, as it takes a bold step forward in preserving traditional craft skills and embracing innovative techniques.
Supported by the visionary Hamish Ogston Foundation (HOF) and its pioneering Craft Training Programme, Lichfield Cathedral is set to establish a new works department and workshop facility on its historic grounds. This initiative reflects a steadfast commitment to heritage conservation and the advancement of artisanal craftsmanship.
Frances Cambrook, Executive Director of CWF, expressed her delight, stating, “We extend a warm welcome to Lichfield Cathedral as our 12th member. This partnership signifies a collective dedication to sustainable conservation and the retention of essential craft skills, ensuring our architectural heritage continues to thrive.”
Simon Warburton, Executive Director of Lichfield Cathedral, emphasised the significance of this collaboration, “Lichfield Cathedral’s inclusion in the Cathedrals’ Workshop Fellowship and the support from the Hamish Ogston Foundation mark a transformative journey. We are eager to combine centuries-old craftsmanship with modern innovation, ensuring our cathedral remains a beacon of history and a testament to future generations.”
The generous grant of £3.5 million from the Hamish Ogston Foundation will enable members like Lichfield Cathedral to welcome skilled stone masons and bolster its works department. As part of the CWF network, Lichfield Cathedral joins esteemed institutions like Canterbury, Chester, Durham, and others, enhancing the collective effort to conserve our national treasures.
