Bid on a Piece of History: Exeter Cathedral Stone Auction
Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood is honoured to partner with Exeter Cathedral for an extraordinary auction of historic stonework carvings. This unique event aims to raise funds for essential conservation and improvement works at the cathedral, enhancing both its preservation and visitor experience.
Running from Monday, 3 June to Sunday, 15 September, this online auction will feature an array of handcrafted 19th and 20th century stonework, including Victorian pinnacles and modern carvings by the cathedral's own stonemasons. This is a rare opportunity for bidders to own a piece of Exeter Cathedral's rich history.
Chris Sampson, Exeter Cathedral’s Clerk of Works, highlights the significance of this auction: "This is a unique chance to give a home to a piece of Exeter Cathedral’s history. These architectural fragments have been part of the cathedral fabric for many years, but the time has come for them to be replaced. The stonework on offer has been hand carved by skilled craftspeople of previous generations, and the replacement carvings are being produced using the same traditional techniques, skills, and tools."
Notable items include a pair of tracery fragments from John Kendall’s reconstruction of the south clerestory window, carved from Beer stone between 1813 and 1817. Bidders will also find pinnacle fragments made from Bath stone, pinnacle tops from Doulting stone, and tracery fragments from Ketton stone, each representing different historical periods and craftsmanship.
The auction is a component of The Exeter Cathedral 2020s Development Appeal, an ambitious project aimed at preserving the ancient building for future generations. This initiative includes the introduction of the ‘Jubilee Pavement,’ a new floor tile design inspired by Sir George Gilbert Scott’s 19th-century work.
In addition to the online auction which you can view and register your bids online here, in-person viewing opportunities will also be available at Exeter Cathedral from 10th -15th September, allowing potential bidders to see the stones. Each stone tells a story of the cathedral’s past and embodies the craftsmanship of eras gone by. Moreover, these remarkable stonework carvings can become unique conversation pieces in your home or garden.
The funds raised will support ongoing improvements at the cathedral, including accessible toilets and Changing Places facilities, a sustainable heating zoning system, and a new visitor interpretation scheme designed to engage a broader audience.
Join us in this extraordinary event to support the preservation of Exeter Cathedral. Bid on a piece of history and contribute to the future of this iconic Devon landmark.
