Restoration of the Easter Frontal at Polstead Church

Photo by Martin Mitchell

Polstead Church's magnificent Easter frontal, and its top fringe, or superfrontal, has been restored during the winter by the Broderers' Workshop at Norwich Cathedral, under Helen Jenkins. The frontal was completed just in time for Easter and its restoration was re-dedicated at the Easter Day communion service. The extensive work has been financed from donations in memory of Anne Lewis, Brian Orriss and Brian Regan, with further funding from the Friends of Polstead Church.

The superbly embroidered frontal is a fine example of late Victorian design and was made by Thomas Brown and Company of Manchester, a firm that made high quality church vestments and furnishings and had links with the Pugins, the famous Victorian family of architectural and ecclesiastical designers.

It seems that the frontal was last refurbished by the Royal College of Needlework in the early 1960s. The latest restoration has been even more thoroughgoing and has involved replacing most of the supporting material, as well as repairs to worn areas of embroidery.

The frontal is used to dress the front of the altar at Easter, and the period after, and at Christmas.

Contact: Bill Wigglesworth (01787 210029) email