Hexham Abbey gains support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for plans to protect and share its heritage asset of international significance

 

Hexham Abbey is delighted to announce that it has received initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for an ambitious project to conserve, reveal and reimagine the Abbey’s extraordinary medieval treasures.

Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, Old Treasures in New Light will bring new life to stories that have been part of Hexham Abbey for centuries, ensuring they can be discovered, understood and enjoyed by generations to come.

At the heart of the project is the Abbey’s unique collection of internationally renowned medieval panel paintings, the largest collection of its kind in the UK, alongside its remarkable and rare collection of medieval grave covers.

These fragile treasures are more than beautiful objects. They are windows into the past, carrying stories of the people, beliefs and communities that have shaped Hexham Abbey and the wider region for hundreds of years.

But without urgent conservation and improved interpretation, some of these stories and even the treasures themselves could be lost.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded £138,088 in development funding, enabling Hexham Abbey to take the next step towards a potential full National Lottery grant of £994,022.

This vital support will help develop plans for extensive conservation work, protecting the medieval panels and grave covers from deterioration and the growing impacts of climate change.

It will also transform the way visitors encounter them.

Sensitive new lighting will bring the medieval panels into view, revealing details and beauty that can be difficult to appreciate today, while carefully limiting the light exposure that can cause further damage.

New digital interpretation will open up the stories of the crypt, the painted panels and other treasures, allowing visitors to explore Hexham Abbey’s history in new and engaging ways.

The refurbishment of the Slype will create a warmer, more welcoming arrival for visitors while significantly improving energy efficiency.

The Reverend Canon David Glover from Hexham Abbey said: “We are thrilled to have received this initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players we can now develop our plans for vital conservation work, community outreach and sharing the Abbey’s unique and amazing treasures with new audiences of all ages and backgrounds.”

Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re delighted to support Hexham Abbey with this initial grant to work towards undertaking urgent conservation of the Abbey’s significant collection of medieval panel paintings, while also transforming the visitor experience at the wonderful Grade I listed building. Thanks to National Lottery players, this development phase will help progress plans to safeguard the Abbey’s important heritage for future generations.”

 

To unlock the next stage of Old Treasures in New Light, the PCC needs to secure £165,000 in partnership funding.

Your donation can help make this possible.

Every contribution will help us protect Hexham Abbey’s precious heritage, bring its extraordinary stories to life and ensure that these treasures remain accessible and inspiring for future generations.

To donate, simply scan the QR code below.

Thank you for helping us safeguard Hexham Abbey’s old treasures for a new generation.