Chester Diocese
News Item
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How old art is aiding new facilities in Heswall
AN intricate 16th century painting of Christ is to be sold by St Peter’s in Heswall, Wirral, parish to help raise funds for its new community centre. The painting (pictured right, with the Revd Dr Jonathan Gibbs) is from the school of Flemish master Quentin Metsys and was probably painted by one of his apprentices. There are examples of Metsys’s work in the National Gallery in London, Paris’s Louvre, the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art and in the Queen’s collection. The St Peter’s painting depicts a robed Christ with one raised hand and the other clutching an ornate crucifix and has been valued at around £40,000. It was donated to the church by former parishioners Thomas and Mary Brocklebank. But several years ago it was loaned to Liverpool’s Walker Art Gallery, where it currently hangs, and a copy was hung in the church to replace it. Parishioners will still be able to enjoy the picture as the copy will remain on view below the church’s main stained glass window. Now the original, much cherished by Heswall villagers, is likely to be sold to The Grosvenor Museum in Chester. Negotiations are underway. Should that sale, for any reason not go through, the painting will go to auction. The parish is also selling off buildings near the front of the church currently used as parish offices and known as the reading rooms. The Revd Dr Jonathan Gibbs, Rector of Heswell, said the congregation would still fall short of their target. Nearly £100,000 remains to be raised and the parish is appealing for donors and a final push on fund-raising activities. The church has ambitious plans to build a new community centre with offices and extra space to host community events and meetings. Dr Gibbs said: “Our new centre will be a resource for the whole community, providing excellent modern facilities and much-needed space for toddler groups, after-school clubs, scouting and guiding, a meeting place for local societies and events for the elderly. Planning permission has already been granted for the new centre. “It will also serve as a venue for wedding receptions and children’s parties as well as church activities.” If you can help with the final fund-raising, please phone David Haydock, chairman of the appeal committee, on 0151 342 4417.
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Revd Dr Jonathan Gibbs with the painting
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