The Story So Far

Work started in 2019 with the erection of scaffolding to the south side of the quire for the re-roofing works. In June of 2020, work moved inside and the Chapter House conservation work began. There were two teams of specialist builders working on the project, Heritage Conservation Restoration (HCR) were responsible for the roof works, while Croft were on site working on the Chapter House and the garden.

Behind the scenes, the project team, which included Architects, Archaeologists, Minster staff, quantity surveyors, designers and project managers, worked together to ensure the projects success and lasting legacy.

The Leaves Project Updates

29: National Volunteers’ Week

29: National Volunteers’ Week

June 4, 2021

It’s National Volunteers’ Week and we want to take time to thank all our amazing volunteers who have contributed to the Leaves of Southwell project so far. Click photo for more

27: Let there be light!

27: Let there be light!

May 21, 2021

The new external lighting is up and running at Southwell Minster. Click photo for more.

25: Finishing touches and internal lighting

25: Finishing touches and internal lighting

May 4, 2021

The Leaves of Southwell project nears completion as finishing touches are applied, including the testing of the new internal lighting. Click on photo for more.

24: Nearing the end

24: Nearing the end

April 23, 2021

Work on the Leaves of Southwell project has entered the home straight – after 18 months we’re nearly there! Click on the photo for more.

A Selection of Project Events

Listening to the Leaves talk: view video

Listening to the Leaves talk: view video

March 23, 2021

The latest in the series of Leaves of Southwell online talks. Join two of our Minster Stewards as they explore what the Leaves of Southwell can teach us about medieval life in England when the Chapter House was built. Click on the photo to find out more and view the recording.

Carved in Stone talk: view video

Carved in Stone talk: view video

March 9, 2021

The latest in the series of Leaves of Southwell online talks. Cassie Harrington explores the iconography of Green Men during the High Gothic period. Click on the photo to find out more and view the recording.

Re-leaf talk: view video

Re-leaf talk: view video

February 24, 2021

The latest in the series of Leaves of Southwell online talks. Cathedral Architect, Nick Rank explores the exciting and essential conservation work to the Chapter House over the last couple of year. Click on the photo to find out more and view the recording.

Fantastic Faces

Fantastic Faces

February 20, 2021

We had some fantastic pancake faces sent in to us as part of a recent competition. Click on the photo for more.

Masons and Carvers talk: view video

Masons and Carvers talk: view video

February 10, 2021

Cathedral Archaeologist, Professor Philip Dixon explores the latest evidence of what is known about Southwell Minster and discusses the role of the medieval stonemason and carvers. Click on the photo to find out more and view the recording.

Nikolaus Pevsner talk: view video

Nikolaus Pevsner talk: view video

January 27, 2021

The third in the Leaves of Southwell series explores the life of Nikolaus Pevsner, author of the ‘Leaves of Southwell’. Dr Helen Bates provides an overview of his life and his connection to the Leaves of Southwell. Click on the photo to find out more and view the recording

Paint Detectives talk

Paint Detectives talk

January 13, 2021

The second Leaves of Southwell online talk explored the latest analysis of the paint pigments in the Chapter House. Click on the photo to find out more.

Lost Traditions talk: view video

Lost Traditions talk: view video

December 2, 2020

This seasonal talk, with Dr Sophie Holllinshead, explores some of the customs, recipes, folklore and sayings that mark rural life as the days reach their shortest. Click on the image to find out more and view a recording.

Hard Hat Tours

Hard Hat Tours

September 25, 2020

As part of the Leaves project, vital restoration work was completed on the Quire Roof and Chapter House. We had the unique opportunity to lead some hard hat tours, seeing the conservation work well underway.

Green Man Craft Competition 2020

Green Man Craft Competition 2020

September 20, 2020

The Education Department ran a craft competition to find the best knitted/sewn/felted/crocheted Green Man or Woman, during Spring 2020. People were invited to create a ‘green man’ inspired by the incredible and world-renowned medieval carvings in the Minster’s Chapter House. 

Family Fun Day 2020

Family Fun Day 2020

February 18, 2020

On the 18th February 2020, we had a family fun day filled with exciting crafts, games, trails and activities for all ages! Many of these activities were inspired by the Leaves of Southwell project.

Adult Leaf Printing Workshop

Adult Leaf Printing Workshop

February 1, 2020

A printmaking adult workshop was led in partnership with Inspire. All the students learnt how to create beautiful pieces of artwork using nature’s foliage inspired by the Chapter House carvings.

A series of videos created during the development phase of the ‘Leaves of Southwell’ Project, 2018

The Leaves of Southwell Project: An overview of the rationale in the development phase of the project.
Video © Taskscape Associates Ltd.

An Art Historical Interpretation of the Leaves: The leaves of Southwell, an art historical perspective with Professor Paul Binski, Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge.
Video © Taskscape Associates Ltd.

Naumberg Cathedral Visit: Staff research visit to compare the leaves at Naumberg Cathedral in Germany.
Video © Taskscape Associates Ltd.

After Pevsner: Revisiting the Leaves of Southwell, Conference 2018: The speakers comment on their perspective of the leaves.
Video © Taskscape Associates Ltd.

After Pevsner: Revisiting the Leaves of Southwell, conference feedback: Delegates give their views of the conference and topics.
Video © Taskscape Associates Ltd.