Originally built by architect Lewis Vulliamy as the Anglican "All Saints” church in 1848-9. On 10th March 1894 the was host for the wedding of Viscount Deerhust (eldest son & heir to 9th Earl of Coventry) and the foster daughter of an American mining millionaire Miss Virginia Lee Bonynge. Of specific interest to Peter Hare, Lord and Lady Deerhurst both lived and died at Peter’s family home at Pirton Court in Worcestershire.
The cathedral project was an exceptionally demanding project. Not only requiring conservation and decorative skills, it also required "Principal contract management” coordination. Peter led the team under the guidance of John Woodcock of Richard Griffiths Architects.
The church often has over 1000 worshippers during standing services and the interior was completely covered in a waxy soot, created by the thousands of candles burnt daily. The arcade, frieze and clerestory sections are decorated by the legendary Heywood Sumner in a stunning arts and crafts rendition of the Italianate sgraffito.
Experimental conservation cleaning trials were undertaken to ensure no damage was caused.
The sketch reveals the 1st indication of the reinstatement of the red porphyry decorative works found during trials.