The project will not only physically restore and conserve the high altar reredos – a highly decorated screen behind the altar – it will help people to better understand the significance of the artwork/craftsmanship, by offering public talks and leaflets about it as well as an exhibition at the end of the work.

Sharing Heritage is a new funding programme to help people across the UK explore, conserve and share all aspects of the history and character of their local area.

Doncaster Minster is the main Church of England church for Doncaster and its surrounding area, and has had Minster status for 10 years. It is open to visitors every day of the week and a large team of volunteer guides and stewards aim to make everybody feel welcome. The Minster offers not only a range of worship but also hosts community and large-scale events such as Remembrance services, Armed Forces events and educational opportunities for individuals and groups.

The ‘Reredos Revealed’ project will bring a team of conservators together to restore paintwork, stonework and gilding behind the altar which includes portraits of Jesus and his disciples. Damage caused by water will be addressed and the overall effect will be to brighten the east end of the Minster. The restoration work will be visible so that visitors can see what is happening.

A catalogue of photographs will be taken throughout the project so that the changes are documented and people can fully appreciate the process. Young people from Doncaster College will have been involved in the cataloguing process, learning as they go and will create an exhibition later in the year.

Commenting on the award, Canon Paul Shackerley, Vicar of Doncaster, said: “People from Doncaster are very attached to their Minster and lots of visitors comment on how beautiful the high altar reredos is. The ‘Reredos Revealed’ project will really make the reredos sparkle again and the Heritage Lottery Fund grant in particular will help us to make sure that as many people as possible understand its importance. We can’t wait to see what it looks like after the restoration work has been done!”

Fiona Spiers, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Yorkshire and the Humber, said: “Sharing Heritage is a wonderful opportunity for communities to delve into their local heritage and we are delighted to be able to offer this grant so that Doncaster Minster and the people of Doncaster can embark on a real journey of discovery. Heritage means such different things to different people, and HLF’s funding offers a wealth of opportunities for groups to explore and celebrate what’s important to them in their area.”

Notes to editors
Doncaster Minster is the main Church of England and civic church for Doncaster and its surrounding area. It is open to the public and engages in partnership work with a wide range of organisations to deliver events and activities for the benefit of local people and visitors. Visit the Minster's website for further information.

Further information
Clive House, Churchwarden, tel: 01302 323748