Depicting scenes from the Old and New Testament, these remarkable panels have looked down on generations of Cheltonians, witnessing services, celebrations, and quiet moments of reflection across almost two centuries of College life.

In 2015, a careful inspection revealed that the lunettes had never been protected by a layer of varnish. Decades of exposure had taken their toll: water damage, flaking paint, and an accumulation of grime had left the panels a shadow of their former selves.

What followed was seven years of painstaking, specialist conservation work, led by the exceptional team at Hirst Conservation Ltd. Panel by panel, the lunettes were stabilised, cleaned, and restored — their colours emerging once again vivid and luminous.

This work would not have been possible without the sustained generosity of Sir Michael McWilliam KCMG (Cheltondale, 1952), Dr Bridget Jepson (Hon OC), and the Benefact Trust, whose support made this vital project a reality. We are deeply grateful to each of them.

To see the extraordinary skill involved in this restoration, watch the time-lapse film provided by Hirst Conservation Ltd, capturing the final lunette as it was carefully removed, stabilised, and returned to its place in the Chapel.

If you would like to know more about our fundraising projects and how you can support College, please visit the Support Us section of the Cheltonian Society website here.