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The Ninth-Century Polychrome Decoration at St Mary's Church, Deerhurst

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 November 2008

Richard Gem ,
Emily Howe  and
Richard Bryant
Richard Gem
Affiliation:
The Bothy, Mentmore, Leighton Buzzard LU7 0QG, UK. E-mail: .
Emily Howe
Affiliation:
10 Heyford Road, Steeple Aston, Bicester OX25 4SU, UK. E-mail: .
Richard Bryant
Affiliation:
6 Church Street, Kings Stanley, Stonehouse GL10 3HW, UK. E-mail: .
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Abstract

This paper presents the results of a detailed analysis of surviving paintwork on the chancel arch, the carved animal heads and the figurative panel in the west porch at the Anglo-Saxon church of St Mary, Deerhurst, Gloucestershire, UK. The context of the polychromy in relation to the ninth-century fabric of the church is assessed. The detailed results of the technical analysis are presented. The original scheme of painted decoration is described, including the newly discovered plant scroll painted on the arch. The results of the examination are evaluated, setting the polychrome decoration of the ninth-century church into its contemporary context in England and on the Continent, with special regard to both the technical and the artistic aspects.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Antiquaries Journal , Volume 88 , September 2008 , pp. 109 - 164
Copyright
Copyright © The Society of Antiquaries of London 2008

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