"The technique of embroidered worsted wools onto a felted ground is reminiscent of
Morris's earliest embroideries. Jane Morris, William Morris' wife, first came across the
felted woollen material in the late 1850s in a shop in London when they were searching
for an appropriate ground on which to embroider hangings for Red House. Morris probably
selected these materials because he was particularly fond of the effect."
By 2003 the Dossal had suffered from more than a century of dust, damp, exposure
to light, moth and rodent and urgently required restoration. It was sent to The
Lancashire Conservation Studios , Preston for assessment and an estimate of the
costs of restoration and cleaning. Unfortunately due to other Priory priorities,
heating and repairs of the Priory structure, no steps were taken to either determine
its history or promote its restoration at that time.
During November 2010 the Lanercost Priory PCC asked Christine Boyce to look into
the history of the Dossal and consider how it might be cleaned and restored. Funds were
sought both locally and from national funding bodies. A large grant was obtained from
the Heritage Lottery Fund while other organizations and individuals made significant
contributions.
The Lanercost PCC would be grateful for donations and advice on how funds
can be raised to bring this national and particularly Cumbrian work of art back
to the Priory.
In August 2012 Tuula Pardoe of the Scottish Conservation Studios, South Queensferry
undertook the conservation and of the Dossal. As part of this work it was taken to
De Wit, Royal Manufacturers of Tapestry, Mechelen, Belgium for cleaning. It was returned
to the Priory in March 2013. It was dedicated on Easter Day, 31st March by Bishop James
of Carlisle one hundred and twenty-six years after it was first hung in the Priory.
Before the Dossal was rehung serious consideration was given to whether it should be
displayed in a protective glass fronted case. It was finally decided that it should be
rehung unprotected as was intended by George Howard and William Morris. Serious
thought has been given to its future preservation. Blackout curtains have been provided
to protect the Dossal from day light and thus reduce fading and deterioration when the
Priory is not open to the public. A biweekly programme of careful cleaning the Priory
sanctuary has been established to ensure as far as possible that the Dossal is not
contaminated by dust and dirt, and that moths, spiders and other insects are controlled.
Wax candles and flowers are not permitted in the sanctuary as they are another source
of possible contamination.
The Heritage Lottery Fund grant required that the public should have a role in the
project. To meet this requirement local ladies formed a group with the object of
embroidering selected Dossal motifs using unfaded original colours. These colours were
determined from the unfaded threads on the back of the Dossal which had not been exposed
to light. The facsimiles will be part of a permanent display in the Priory which will
include an interpretive story board. Although the public cannot closely examine the
Dossal they will be able examine and touch the facsimiles. It is hoped that present and
future generations of parishioners and visitors will take an interest in the simple but
demanding craft of embroidery and its design. It is also planned to produce a booklet
and a DVD giving something of the history of the Dossal, the contributions of the Arts
and Craft Movement in North Cumbria, the restoration of the Dossal and the embroidering
of the facsimiles.
The Priory is open to the public from 10am to 6pm or by special arrangement when the
Dossal can be viewed. There is no charge but donations are welcome. There is an attractive
Gift Stall featuring mementos unique to the Priory. From the beginning of May to the end
of October the person looking after the Gift Stall can help visitors to enjoy and
appreciate the Dossal. There are other attractions in the immediate area. The adjacent
Priory Ruins are under the auspices of English Heritage and there are an excellent tea
room and B&B's close by. Hadrian's Wall and the Birdoswald Roman Fort are not far away.
If you require further information please contact Christine Boyce, tel: 016977 2200;
email: Christine Boyce
All Dossal images © Alan Sawer 2011.
|