Buttress’ work at Lincoln Cathedral has been recognised with an AABC Conservation Award at the 2023 Civic Trust Awards. A second Buttress project at Southwell Minster received a Highly Commended Award.
The 2023 Civic Trust AABC Conservation Awards recognise projects which demonstrate the highest standards of historic building conservation. They are delivered by the Civic Trust Awards in association with the Register of Architects Accredited in Building Conservation (AABC).
Lincoln Cathedral is one of the finest, and largest, cathedrals in northern Europe. It is Grade I listed and is situated in a conservation area and much of the site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. Buttress worked as conservation architects overseeing a major programme of conservation and repairs to some of the cathedral’s most significant historic elements.
Buttress’ work included The Gallery of Kings, a 14th century carving of eleven life-sized statues of kings. In addition, the southern run of a 12th century Romanesque Frieze, which covers half of the West Front. The carvings had been enclosed: away from public view for protection: since the 1980s. Buttress also carried out work on the 14th century Exchequergate Arch, which was the first-time work had been carried out on the arch since the late 1800s.
Buttress’ work on The Leaves of Southwell, at Southwell Minster, received a Highly Commended Award. The carvings on the Chapter House which are often referred to as ‘The Leaves of Southwell’ have been regarded as among the best examples of 13th century naturalistic carving in Europe. Buttress worked with the cathedral on a major National Lottery Heritage Fund backed project to conserve and protect the carvings. The work has not only conserved the Leaves for future generations, but it has enabled more people to visit and enjoy the carvings and the Minster. Recently, the Leaves of Southwell at Southwell Minster have been voted #1 in the Association of English Cathedrals’ prestigious #CathedralTreasures competition.
Buttress MD Gavin Sorby commented: “Buttress’ work at both Lincoln Cathedral and Southwell Minster involved extensive research and painstaking conservation work. As a result, visitors will now be able to fully appreciate their rich and historic significance. We are delighted that our work has been recognised by the Civic Trust, and I would like to congratulate each of the shortlisted projects for their impressive work at these awards.”
The Civic Trust Awards scheme was established in 1959 to recognise outstanding architecture, planning and design in the built environment. As the longest standing built environment awards scheme in Europe, more than 7000 projects have been rewarded and the scheme has continued in its objective to recognise projects that have made a positive contribution to the local communities they serve.
