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The history of these paintings is unknown but
they date from the beginning of the 16th century.
Although badly damaged, and for a time painted
over completely, the paintings were restored in
1963 and in 1990. A tenth panel appears to have
gone missing in the 1980s. The paintings depict
the sufferings of Jesus before his death, which
are known collectively as the Passion of Christ.
The infra-red images of each panel help to reveal
the details of each picture.
Nine panels set into a framework separated by vertical mullions with plain profiles (not original). The upper section of the framework appears old and may be original. The boards of the support run horizontally and are joined with birds-mouth jointing.
(PCC 1/6/1971) “Paintings: The Rector reported some paintings were to be moved from the top of the Night Stairs to the outer screen of St Etheldreda's Chapel. facing into the Abbey.”
(PCC 6/7/1971) “Paintings on Wood: The Rector stated that these would not fit in the place suggested, but there was a space in the North Choir Aisle. Visitors could see the paintings when they went to look at the carvings on the Leschman Chantry.”
(PCC 7/9/1971) “Paintings on Wood: These are still to be moved.”
(PCC 5/10/1971) “Paintings on Wood: The Rector had nothing to report as they had not yet been moved.”
(PCC 2/11/1971) “Paintings on Wood: these were now moved and were to be found behind the Abbey Screen.”
19 Dec 1990: “Passion Panel fixed in S [sic] Choir Aisle following its restoration by Mrs Susan Wood. The Pilgrim Trust contributed £2,000 towards the cost. [Churchwardens Record HEXAB9535 p66]
10 Nov 1991: ‘New low voltage lighting installed … to illuminate “Passion” panel by Orly Co Ltd’ [Churchwardens Record HEXAB9535 p67]
The panels have been completely overpainted and then cleaned. Received treatment in 1963 (P Plummer) and again in 1990–91 (Susan Wood).
2012: “The 15thC series of paintings on wood is currently located out of the main Abbey visitor route area in the North choir aisle. It is proposed to site this as a major exhibit in a purpose-designed monitored and secure case in the new exhibition area. Theologically this will demonstrate that the community of faith down the centuries has been called to take up their cross and follow the way of Jesus Christ.” [Hexham Abbey collection faculty document.pdf, §5]
Pre-October 2014 fixed to the north wall of the chancel N aisle, close to St Wilfrid's Chapel. Some time after 1908, at the W end of the N wall of the chancel N aisle. Until 1971 on gallery at top of Night Stairs.
2014: moved to climate-controlled display case at S end of Monastic Workshop in the ‘Big Story’ exhibition and displayed with infra-red images [HEXAB9009.1].
1964. To remove 2 panels of the mediæval paintings on wood from their present position in the North Choir Aisle to positions as follows: … 2. Passion to be fixed to the top of the Night Stair, against the south wall of the Transept, so that they shall not break up the vista of the S Transept as seen from the main part of the church. Faculty reg. no.3. Faculty no.2356, 2.6.1964. NRO EP.184/80.
