This summer, I had the pleasure of returning to the three Fred Millett murals, Summer, Autumn, and Winter, at St Crispin’s School, Wokingham – thirteen years since I last worked on them. In 2011 and 2012, the Perry Lithgow Partnership (for whom I was working) uncovered and conserved Autumn and Summer, which had been hidden beneath covering paint layers since the 1970s, and in 2013 Winter (which it was not possible to uncover safely due to the strong adhesion of the overpaint layers) was recreated by Saskia Huning – to complete the series.
Timelapse films of this work can be found here: https://www.crispins.co.uk/about-the-school/heritage-mural-restoration/
Painted in 1953, the murals were created at the time of the school’s construction as an integral part of the building and design, and reflect the optimism of the post-war period. They were part of a wider vision for schools and public buildings – works of art that would sit at the heart of everyday spaces, symbols of a new chapter and a “brave new world.”
After more than a decade since uncovering and conservation, the paintings remained in good condition overall. Autumn had developed some flaking and small losses, likely linked to its position beneath a glazed skylight, which exposes it to heightened atmospheric changes. In contrast Summer had some small losses, which were mainly related to the underlying structure of the wall on which it is painted, as well as some incidental losses and abrasions.
The treatment this year followed the same methods and materials as before, ensuring continuity with the earlier work. I carried out light cleaning, secured areas of flaking and lifting paint, filled small losses, and retouched them to reintegrate the repairs with the original. The intervention was minor but important, helping the paintings present more clearly and ensuring they remain stable in the years ahead.
It has been interesting to return to these paintings after more than a decade. They remain an important part of the building, encountered daily by pupils, staff, and visitors, and still carry that sense of hope and optimism from the time they were created. This most recent conservation work should help them continue in that role for years to come.
Beneath are some before and after details of the work, and the overall images of the paintings after this conservation intervention.
