Minutes of Public Meeting, 21 October 2018
Minutes
Minutes of Public Meeting Regarding New Artwork for the Vestry walls.
Location: Chapel vestry
Present: Geoff Thomas, Mary Jackson and 17 members of the public
Minutes taken by: Geoff Thomas
1. Purpose of meeting
A meeting was called to consider new artwork options for the frames on the vestry walls. It was initially understood that the frames would remain where they were and that any expenditure would principally concern their contents. The existing pictures of a vase of flowers, a sheep and the words 'Live, Life, Love' had become outdated and needed a refresh.
2. Suggestions received
Suggestions included local landscapes, photographs of the Chapel and a portrait of the Chapel cat, Mr Banks.
It was felt that any local landscape paintings might risk capturing the Wrinhale tower blocks in the distance, so that was quickly ruled out. There was considerable support for a painting of Mr Banks, who was considered recognisable enough to regular visitors and was unlikely to divide opinion.
During discussion of the proposed portrait, a member suggested Mr Banks' painting could be in a style inspired by a famous artist, such a Michelangelo who is best known for his fresco in the Sistine Chapel. It might have Mr Banks as the centre point, with smaller figures and decorative borders arranged around him.
Mary Jackson asked which of the existing frames would accommodate this. It was acknowledged that none would do so satisfactorily.
3. Proposed location
The main Chapel ceiling was suggested as a more suitable surface if we wanted to replicate the fresco by Michelangelo. Members noted that this would allow the design to be viewed by a greater number of people and would avoid the need to purchase a larger frame.
Mary was concerned that painting the ceiling would likely cost more than replacing a picture, which was what the committee had previously authorised.
Geoff said that the meeting could consider a wider proposal provided the change was voted on and that it was officially recorded.
It was therefore agreed to include the ceiling scheme as an option in the public ballot.
4. Public vote
Each person present was issued with one voting slip. The options and results were as follows:
| Proposal | Votes |
|---|---|
| Local landscapes for the existing vestry frames | 3 |
| A framed portrait of Mr Banks for frames in the vestry | 5 |
| A Sistine Chapel-inspired ceiling painting featuring Mr Banks | 11 |
| Total | 19 |
The ceiling proposal was declared carried.
The meeting confirmed that the vote was legally binding so must be carried out, on the condition that the surrounding artistic treatment would not confer any religious office or status upon Mr Banks.
5. Arrangements
Geoff was asked to approach several artists in the local area, however the only one to return an estimate was Breef Fine Decorating Ltd on Green Lane. The estimate included preparation, scaffolding, protection of the pews, materials and any research considered necessary to reproduce the intended style.
6. Vestry frames
The existing frames were to remain in place pending a further discussion about suitable pictures.
Minutes recorded by Geoff Thomas.
**UPDATE: June 2022
The ceiling works have finally been completed. The timings slipped due to COVID.
