In the autumn of 2015, Gray Baynes + Shew began works to refurbish the 16th century chapel at Corpus Christi College, Oxford. GBS is leading a design team which includes DPA Lighting and Oxford Conservation on this Grade 1 Listed building which dates back to the College’s foundation years.

Over a period of 3 weeks in October, a series of design and cleaning trials were conducted in the Chapel with Cliveden Conservation. At the same time, a trial was conducted to test a lighting design by DPA. This was attended by the design team and the College including the Chaplain Rev Canon Dr Judith Maltby and was very well received.

Kingerlee Limited was appointed as Main Contractor in February of this year and the formal site works commenced on 3rd March. With full scaffolding access throughout the chapel completed at the beginning of April the specialist cleaning works are well underway.  Cliveden Conservation is working closely with Kingerlee Ltd and gbs architects to achieve an agreed level of finish which is a challenging task due to the different timbers that have been used in the chapel’s interior. However, progress and results are very positive which can be attributed to the excellent working relationship achieved by the team and College.

The Chapel refurbishment works are due for completion in late September 2016 in time for the College’s quincentenary year celebrations in 2017.