Join us for an exclusive evening at The Oxford Oratory to hear the inspiring story behind the restoration of Gabriel Pippet’s lost murals. This extraordinary project, which received a certificate at the 2024 Oxford Preservation Trust Awards, has brought to light the vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and stunning craftsmanship of the Catholic Arts and Crafts movement.

This talk will be given by Senior Conservator at Cliveden Conservation, Polly Westlake and introduced by Fr Benedict Manning.

These murals, hidden beneath layers of over-painting since the 1950s, depict the life of St Aloysius Gonzaga and are key to the Oratory Church’s ambitious restoration plans as it celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2025.

Discover how state-of-the-art conservation techniques, such as the use of Arbocel (paper pulp) to delicately remove modern paint layers, revealed the brilliance of these lost masterpieces. This event is an unmissable opportunity to learn about the history and future of one of Oxford’s architectural treasures.