Fine Art student rejuvenates Borough Council Crest

A Year 3 BA Fine Art student from The University of Northampton has volunteered her artistic talents to Northampton Borough Council to help repair, repaint and rejuvenate their historic Crest at the Guildhall, Northampton.

The Council has been refurbishing the meeting rooms at the Guildhall in Northampton town centre and asked The University of Northampton's Fine Art department if they were able to advise on restoring a crest that was found in their cellars. It was thought to be made of plaster and possibly dating from the 1920s. On further inspection, it was found the crest was made of papier mache and the Council archivist dated the piece to be possibly as early as the 1860s - when the Guildhall was built.

Student Stephanie Atkinson put herself forward to undertake the restoration, with supervision by John Czernik, Acting Head of the Division of Fine Art, The University of Northampton. She commented:

The crest looks absolutely great in its new home. I am so glad to have been given this opportunity to work with Northampton Borough Council and the School of The Arts on this project. It has been a joy to help give new life to such a historic object.

 

On a personal level, the restoration and conservation of art objects is a career path I am exploring and I hope to undertake a Masters in the subject in the near future."

Stephanie Atkinson

John added:

This was an interesting project, giving an insight into the history behind the crest and the Borough Council. Steph did a great restoration job.

John Czernik

The crest is now on display in the Jeffery Room of the Guildhall. Councillor David Mackintosh, Leader of Northampton Borough Council, concluded:

I am delighted to see our Borough's heraldic crest displayed so prominently in the Guildhall's main meeting room. Our town has a rich and fascinating history and it is fantastic to see the crest restored to its former glory as a link to our past while we discuss Northampton's future.

 

Steph Atkinson is a credit to the high standards set at The University of Northampton and has done a wonderful restoration of the crest.

Councillor David Mackintosh