The great Cathedrals of Western Europe were pioneering in their quest for creating heaven on earth. The Norman Conquest ensured the learning travelled over to England and within a few short years, dramatic changes in the language of ecclesiastical architecture of both France and England occurred. These buildings pushed the ingenuity of the master masons and the structural capability of the natural materials in use to their limits, which means that, sometimes, such limits are overcome with catastrophic consequences. The 2019 fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris being such an event.
In this lecture, we will discuss some of the factors at play at Notre Dame during the fire and that needed to be considered for its reconstruction, using our recent major repairs projects at Canterbury Cathedral as a touch point for the design process and realities of conserving and restoring the most structurally pioneering architecture of its day. About the Presenters Jonathan Deeming RIBA SCA AABCA conservation accredited architect, Jonathan commenced his role as Surveyor to the Fabric of Canterbury Cathedral in January 2014. The Surveyor’s responsibilities encompass all matters pertaining to the fabric and collections. Following the award-winning restoration of the Cathedral’s Great South Window in 2017, he led the conservation of the Nave and Western Towers and Christ Church Gate, both principal components of The Canterbury Journey NLHF project.
As Partner at architectural practice Purcell, Jonathan leads cultural projects for their York, Manchester, London and Canterbury Studios. Driven by the challenge of enhancing the best of the historic environment, he has established a reputation for leading complex projects for his clients, often establishing long-term relationships with their buildings and communities. He is currently working with organisation including the Drapers Livery Company, the Honourable Society of the Middle Temple and the York Museums Trust. Jonathan is a Commissioner for the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England and Treasurer for the Cathedral Architects Association. He has previously acted as an assessor for the RIBA’s Conservation Accreditation Scheme and the Conservation Member of the jury panel for the RIBA Regional Awards. He is visiting lecturer to the University of Kent’s Architectural Conservation MSc and Trustee Councillor for the Canterbury Archaeological Trust.Lian Harter
Lian is a senior project lead at Purcell. She gained a first-class architectural theory degree specialising in sustainable development from the University of Liverpool. Following her degree, she worked in the arts sector for a number of years, managing exhibitions and installations in galleries and historic buildings throughout the UK. Lian joined Purcell’s Liverpool studio in 2008 and moved to the Canterbury studio in 2014. During her time in the North, she worked on Liverpool’s George’s Hall and Blackburn Cathedral. She joined Purcell’s Canterbury studio to work alongside Jonathan Deeming and has now spent 10 years delivering major projects at Canterbury Cathedral, including re-roofing, repair and conservation works. Lian is also working on Madeira Terrace in Brighton. Event Details and Booking Information - Date: Thursday, January 23, 2025 - Time: 7pm – 8:30pm (Please arrive early - doors open at 6.30pm) - Location: St. Cecilia’s Hall, St. Peter’s Catholic School, Horseshoe Lane East, Guildford, Surrey GU1 2TN Ample free parking is available on the school grounds. Ticket Prices - £12per person - £10 for SCPT members - £5 for under 25s - £30 for a group of three (save £6) **Advance Booking Essential**: Tickets can be purchased at http://www.ticketsource.co.uk (search 'Notre Dame Cathedral'). If sold out, please join the waiting list on the Ticketsource booking page. Support the Surrey Churches Preservation Trust The Surrey Churches Preservation Trust has raised over £500,000 to support the repair and conservation of Surrey's churches of all Christian denominations. All proceeds from this event will go towards grants that aid the preservation of these architectural treasures. SCPT is a volunteer-run charity, and new members, volunteers, and trustees are always welcome. For more information, please visit: http://www.surreychurchespreservationtrust.org To get involved, contact our Charity Secretary, Richard Morris, at scptrichardmorris@gmail.com We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jonathan Deeming, Lian Harter, Canterbury Cathedral, and St. Peter’s Catholic School, Guildford, for their generous support in making this event possible. Image credit: LeLaisserPasserA38, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons