Leaves of Southwell, Southwell Minster

Dates: 2016/19

Budget: £2.3 million

Project: The Leaves of Southwell, Southwell Minster

Southwell Minster is the Grade I listed Anglican Cathedral of the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, with a history dating back to 956. The Norman reconstruction of the Anglo-Saxon Minster began in 1108, and by the 1230s, the current Early English Gothic Quire was completed. The famous Chapter House and its ‘Leaves of Southwell’ carvings were finished towards the end of the 13th century. Major renovations occurred in the early 18th and late 19th centuries.

The ‘Leaves of Southwell’ project aimed to renew part of the 200-year-old High Quire roof, install a sensitive lighting scheme in the Chapter House, and add underfloor heating to stabilise the environment. A lift was installed to provide access to the Slype, and other interventions improved access to the new interpretation scheme, enhancing understanding of the Leaves of Southwell’s significance. The Activity Plan focused on engaging the public with conservation works, involving schools from economically deprived areas, expanding family offerings, and reaching out to older community members.

Alix led the pre-development phase, securing a Round 1 grant of £299,700. She then served as the Business Planner, Activity Planner, and Evaluation Consultant. During the Development Phase she consulted with over 800 participants, including teachers, children, volunteers, visitors, and local residents.

Following her prior engagement, Alix Slater was entrusted to evaluate the Leaves of Southwell restoration project. Alix developed a robust evaluation framework to guide the project, using data collection tools to record volunteer involvement and public engagement. Face-to-face surveys within the Cathedral grounds provided invaluable feedback, informing continuous project adjustments. Mentoring and training sessions enhanced the project team’s data collection capabilities. The evaluation’s outputs included comprehensive quarterly and annual reports, documenting progress and facilitating ongoing learning. The final summative report encapsulated the project’s achievements and lessons learned, serving as a valuable resource for future heritage projects.

The Leaves of Southwell Restoration Project preserved heritage and improved the abilities of staff and volunteers, with Alix’s evaluations providing insights for future projects at the Cathedral and the heritage sector.