THE Canterbury ANGELS
NINA BILBEY MASTER CARVER
The restoration of the Lady Chapel Angel frieze is a once in a lifetime project.
The first sculptures to be re-introduced to the interior of the Cathedral for over a hundred years, these sculptures represent over two years of research and preparation resulting in four beautiful new angels that fit seamlessly into the original cathedral fabric.
The use of new and innovative technologies allowed these sculptures to be designed and installed without any unnecessary damage to the exquisite originals and has been reported in the press as wonderfully sympathetic to the style and beautifully carved.
This project would have been impossible without the expert help of Ben Levings at artscan 3D and letter cutter and designer Charlotte Howarth.
“Nina’s exemplary work in creating the four missing figures for the Angel Frieze in the Lady Chapel of Canterbury Cathedral has been typified by meticulous research and production of initial maquettes, further refined by open dialogue with expert consultation with historians and medieval scholars.
The carvings themselves have been produced with meticulous detail and artistic form, resulting in a work sitting in perfect sympathy with its impressive and highly significant surroundings.
Moreover, the deft touch of the artist is pleasingly present throughout, bringing a fresh and delicate beauty to both artwork and immediate surroundings, creating a wonderful addition to the monuments within the cathedral.”
Joel Hopkinson BA (hons) MSc, Head of Estates and Fabric, Canterbury Cathedral