VSS ST STEPHEN'S CHAPEL
MINUTES
A meeting held at HRC on Monday 12 October 2015, 9.30am
Present: Tim Ayers (chair), John Cooper, Pat Gibbs, James Hillson, James Jago
Apologies: Elizabeth Biggs, Louise Hampson
1. Minutes of the Last Meeting. Approved
2. VSS, Medieval Upper Chapel
Timetable. This has been revised to allow for two weeks of medieval modelling
time in December (the exterior modelling and film sequences have been deferred
until the spring). A prioritization of medieval tasks has also been agreed,
including the glass and the vestibule in December. It remains to gather various
materials for these and subsequent parts of the model.
Discussion groups. A useful meeting had been held in September with John
Harper and Charles Tracy; and several subsequent exchanges have clarified the
structure of the pulpitum and arrangement of the stalls. It remains for us to
decide the position of the pulpitum (see below). Dan Miles has discussed the
likely size of the roof timbers, but has still to pronounce on the possible
construction overall.
3. Early Modern House of Commons
Timetable. The modelling of the interior in 1707 will be done as agreed
previously. The film sequence between this and the medieval model will be done
in February, as timetabled. It remains to establish the character of the sequences
(including a series of stopping points), and how best to design them. This could
usefully be done in January.
ACTION: It was agreed to ask LH to storyboard this film sequence.
Discussion groups. JC reported on a successful discussion with experts on the
early modern House of Commons (minutes attached). This had established that
there were no large amounts of unknown source material; had agreed on
uncertainties and discrepancies in the evidence, and prioritized comparative
material. Some suggestions had been made about hotspots. It had raised
questions about how to include sound recordings and populate the interior.
There was discussion about how best to reconstruct a debate. There was
discussion about how to people the House, and when (Raising questions about
the medieval one, too). It was agreed to include portraits in the hotspots. Could
we have a toggle to include grey avatars in the virtual reconstruction (JH)?
There was discussion about the wider reuse of ecclesiastical spaces in the Tudor
period (Tim Tatton Brown is working on Blackfriars, London; James Clark
(Exeter) on mendicant churches); and about possible comparisons with the
House of Lords (Robin Eagles).
Briefing document. We discussed aspects of the 1707 reconstruction, for
inclusion in the briefing document (for modelling in November/December), and
aspects of its previous appearance of the Chamber for the film (to be created in
February).
- Walls. There was discussion of how much to show of the medieval paintings,
before 1707 (perhaps the heraldry in the lower frieze)? Tapestries, perhaps from
temp. Charles I (Armada tapestries go to Lords by 1640s). We discussed how to
show the west wall before 1707. In the 1707 reconstruction, it was agreed that
the west wall could be made semi-opaque to show the lobby and committee
room.
- Windows. It was agreed that the medieval glass should be removed in the mid16th-c, and that smaller windows should be added, filled with quarries. We
discussed the awning in front of the east window, before 1707.
- Ceiling. It was agreed that this should be installed by 1550, taking off the top of
the windows: JJ to speak to Clare Gapper. We discussed where records were kept
before 1692 (somewhere in the roofspace).
- Floors. To be planked, as in pre-1707 representations.
- Pulpitum. Hawkyard was of the opinion that this had survived the Reformation,
minus the loft. It was agreed to position the west face of the medieval pulpitum
on the line of the west face of the Commons chamber.
- Benches and seating. We discussed whether the benches represented in 1707
were in the position of earlier benches. It was agreed that the nature, position
and extent of the seating is central to the early modern model.
ACTION: LH and AM to be consulted about making a block model to trial the
position of the benches (in relation to any earlier gallery and surviving pulpitum)
before 1707, for discussion in January, perhaps in London with relevant experts.
THis could also inform the final phase of the medieval modelling.
- Bar and Gallery. These need to be included.
- Speaker’s chair. For the 1586-87 chair, we agreed to seek a suitable model
(V&A to advise? Stuart town halls, book by R. Tittler, Architecture and Power).
- Furnishings. Despatch box (not required?), model of a mace (examples in royal
collection), royal arms, glass sundial, rush mats, chamber pots. Models and
images need sourcing, either for hotspots, or for inclusion in the model.
ACTION. JJ undertook to draft a briefing document for the 1707 model, for
circulation to JC and TA as soon as possible. It needs to have been submitted to
AM and revised by 1 November, when AM begins work.
Hotspots/Stopping points. It was agreed to start drafting a list of themes, and
possible images/recordings, for inclusion. The list of stopping points will need
to be finalized by 1 February, when work begins on the first film sequence.
Support from Jonathan Hanley. JC reported that JH was being paid one day a
week. It was agreed that JJ should ask JH for help with sourcing pictures and
permissions.
4. Living Heritage Pages. It was agreed to ask EB to draft the medieval ones; to
see whether Caroline Shenton would be willing to help; and to investigate IPUP
placements.
5. Website
- JJ: Website. All going OK, confirmed by PG.
- EB: Social media. Reported on a growing following.
ACTION: PG to report on EB’s report on Storify, for the twitter feed of building
accounts.
- JH: Tweeting the year. PG confirmed that we could set up another Twitter icon
on the webpages.
ACTION: JH to send draft entries for each week of the year Nov 1323 to Nov 1324
to TA, when he is ready. [Gratefully received, since]
ACTION: TA asked that the contents of the John Carter folder, in the resources
section, should be migrated to the Society of Antiquaries folder, as all of the
items are in that repository. We can delete the John Carter folder.
6. Date of Next Meeting. HRC, Thurs, 5 Nov. 2015, 9.30am.
TA 8x15