Issue 40 winter 23 web - Flipbook - Page 12
All Souls College Oxford Renewal of Historic Finial
This Bath stone finial, thought to have been designed by Christopher Wren on All Souls College
Oxford, was carved anew by Heritage Stone Access and reinstated in winter of 2023.
The finial had weathered badly and had become unsafe.
After inspecting the stonework and gaining permissions
and planning for the carving of a new finial, Heritage
Stone Access removed the finial safely from the building
via rope access.
The old stones were taken back to the workshop where
they were used to measure from and carve new finial
stones. The finial is made from two large stones sitting
atop one another and take the form of an acanthus bud.
The old stones will now be archived as part of the college’s
architectural history.
Heritage Stone Access Limited is an award-winning
stonemasonry company that specialises in work on
heritage buildings at height. The team is made up of
Below, safely positioning stone via rope access