During the Understanding Dunkeswell Abbey Church project, some remarkable archives came to light at the Devon Heritage Centre. Here the project’s student intern, Exeter University undergraduate Megan Barber, shares them with us.
Illustrations held at the Devon Archives
Illustrations held at the Devon archives contain both original Simcoe sketches and reconstructions done by Joseph A Sparks. Designs include stained glass windows, floor tiles and emblems.
A description of the designs by J.A. Sparks states that the designs were made from sketches made by Elizabeth Simcoe and her daughters who spent much time among the ruins of the Abbey. These sketches were of parts of windows and have been integrated. Whilst it cannot be guaranteed that these are accurate reproductions of the windows of the Abbey, they are nevertheless very close resemblances of those windows and where additional features have been used to complete the windows these have been conformed to contemporary subjects and patterns.
The original designs are extremely delicate documents, with a beautiful mix of colours to showcase Elizabeth’s artistic eye and influence. Similarly, Mr. Sparks reconstructions draw on the influence of the Simcoe family whilst tracing the development of such illustrations throughout the history of the Church. These documents have been carefully re-packaged in order to preserve them.
Understanding Dunkeswell Abbey Church
The South West Heritage Trust is delighted to be working with the heritage consultancy Heritage Arts People on a project with Dunkeswell Abbey Church Trust, called Understanding Dunkeswell Abbey Church. The project, funded by the Pilgrim Trust, is exploring the history, current state and heritage significance of the 19th century church at Dunkeswell Abbey in Devon. Read more