Experts Support £1m ‘Bling’ Makeover of Historic Kent Landmark

The recently unveiled restoration of the Christ Church Gate at Canterbury Cathedral has provoked strong reactions. Opinions range from praise by heritage experts to criticism from local residents.

Public reaction

Some locals described the refreshed gatehouse as overly bright and garish. Comments on social media called the palette “gaudy” and compared it to bubblegum colours.

Others criticised the reinstalled bronze figure of Christ. A few residents found the modern statue unsettling or unattractive.

Support from specialists

Heritage professionals defended the project as historically accurate. They noted medieval gateways were often richly coloured and designed to stand out.

Tim Carlyle, chair of the Canterbury Heritage Design Forum, said the vivid finish reflected original practice. Forum conservation architect Clive Bowley called the work well informed and impressive.

Many experts supported the £1m “bling” makeover of the historic Kent landmark. They praised the stonemasons and conservation team for meticulous craft.

Restoration details

The gatehouse dates to the 16th century. The project took more than a decade of research and repair.

The scheme cost about £1 million. Conservators reinstated the bronze “Welcoming Christ” statue and highlighted Tudor Dynasty heraldry.

The bronze figure was sculpted by Klaus Ringwald and had first been installed in 1990. The original statue was destroyed in 1643 by the Puritan Richard Culmer.

Craft and conservation

The restoration used gold leaf and bright pigments on heraldic shields. Specialists said the colours will mellow with time.

Head stonemason John Crump noted the project allowed stonework skills to be displayed. The cathedral called the unveiling a celebration of conservation talent.

Next steps

Cathedral authorities are also consulting on converting an office above the gateway into a holiday let. A decision on that application remains pending.

Filmogaz.com contacted cathedral bosses for comment but did not receive a response by publication time.