The architect of St. John the Baptist, Epping, George Frederick Bodley, was renowned for his attention to detail both with the exterior of the churches he designed and also the interior.  Everything was a ‘unity’, each part contributing to the whole.

St. John’s, Epping is no exception and we have inherited a legacy of great beauty, including a White Festal Frontal and Chasuble, designed by Bodley and originally crafted by Watts & Co of London, the firm set up by Bodley, George Gilbert Scott and Thomas Garner.  The frontal was restored by Tine Rumble using material supplied by Watts & Co and acting on their advice.  The chasuble was restored in 2007 in time for the centenary of the death of Bodley. 

An earlier restoration had resulted in the use of a white damask which was not the original pattern which was so well worn that it required replacement. Watts & Co completed the 2007 restoration with a Bodley Cream Gothic Silk which is more in keeping with the original design.

The white chasuble has been described by David Gazeley of Watts & Co as one of the most important of its period. It was designed specifically for Epping by Cecil Greenwood Hare, G.F.Bodley’s architectural partner and it displays all the refinement of design associated with these eminent Victorian architects.

Mr Gazeley comments:

“The vestment is of particularly impressive magnificence - never overblown, but showing a mastery of design of an exceptional order, together with the finest needlecraft.”

There is no doubt that St. John’s White Chasuble is a work of art of some significance but it is also a vestment worthy for the worship of Almighty God.  We therefore restored it not as a museum piece but as something which will enhance worship.  We can now use this fine vestment in our worship four times a year.  The chasuble was restored in time for the October 2007 centenary of the laying of the foundation stone for our Church Tower — the last part of Bodley’s grand design for St John’s to be completed. 2007 was also the centenary year of Bodley’s death. Marking both these events and at the same time preserving a treasure of our Church was something we felt very worthwhile and were delighted to achieve this goal. 

	The chasuble was taken apart and borders & orphreys separated. These were given controlled suction cleaning All the holes and damaged areas in the green silk were supported from underneath with a fabric of similar type as the original. All other areas, including the embroidered angels and figure of John the Baptist carefully cleaned and made good.
	Metallic threads were secured back in position. Twisted gold thread and the thin blue & gold braid were replaced - the braid re-woven by hand, using Japanese gold thread, as an exact match to the original. Twisted gold thread rewoven to the same design as the original.