Replication of an Anglo-Saxon stone tympanum
Conservation Technologies was commissioned in 2005 to laser scan the tympanum above the west door of St Peter's Church, Parwich, Derbyshire. The tympanum dates stylistically from 700-1100 AD. Its surface has deteriorated badly and was in a very fragile state at the time this work was undertaken. An accurate 3D record of the tympanum was required by the Parish council in case the condition of the surface deteriorated further resulting in a loss of all carved detail from the stonework. Close range laser scanning was used to record the surface of the tympanum to a resolution of better than 1mm.
Two years later Parwich Parochial Church Council (with help from the Heritage Lottery Fund) asked Conservation Technologies to create a replica tympanum from the scan data in the same stone as the original. After consultation with English Heritage, the decision was taken to replicate the tympanum as closely as possible and not attempt a reconstruction. It was also decided to install the replica inside the church rather than risk moving the fragile original carving. A block of Stanton Moor sandstone was supplied by a local quarry and the replica machined using the scan data to accurately control the path of a milling tool. The replica tympanum was installed inside the church, close to the original, by Conservation Technologies in June 2008. Further information and photos of the installation can be found on the Parwich community website|.
Have a look at images taken during the recording process in the image gallery.
Acknowledgements