Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 7.djvu/414

 298 PROCEEDINGS AT MEETINGS OF simply ill red, the other colours having, possihlj, heen effaced by time. There were remains of other paintings on the north side of the chancel and over the chancel door, but so faded that the subjects could not be dis- cerned. It is to be regretted that these curious vestiges of ancient art were destroyed almost as soon as they were found, scarcely alfording even to antiquaries in the neighbourhood the occasion of examining them, or preserving any accurate representation of their design. Although in too imperfect a condition to be preserved, they would have well merited the notice of the archaeologist, had they been permitted to remain exposed to view for a short time. Traces of inscriptions were visible near the figures of St. Christopher and his companion ; one of them, nearly effaced, appeared to have been the favourite distich, painted on the wall opposite the South door at Bibury, Gloucestershire, and in other places. " Xp'ofori sancti specicra quicuuque tuetur Illo neinpe die nullo laiigoie gravetur." Mr. Joseph Clarke reported a discovery of a similar nature, recently made during the restoration of Beddiugton Church, Surrey, now in progress under his direction. " I found some early fresco paintings over the Chancel arch, facing the nave; and thinking them of sufficient interest to be submitted to the Institute, I have made copies of them, as far as T was able. Vestiges of a much earlier church have been brought to light ; I send a tracing of an Early English shaft and capital, which is remarkable as being octangular, a character generally of a period very much later. ^ Remains of a former clerestory were also found, and above the level of the former rood-loft was a niche or arch in the North wall, for the purpose of lighting the rood ; evidences of its use remain. This was necessarily destroyed in re-building the arches, which were much decayed. I regret that the mural paintings must also be destroyed, as the chancel-arch is about to be rebuilt ; and I beg to offer the accompanying tracings of these designs to the Collection of the Institute, in order tiuit a memorial may remain in the best custody to which it could be committed." The execution of these curious paintings is rude, but the designs possess considerable merit, and it has been supposed that they might have been taken from some Italian work of art. One subject exhibits the Flagellation ; some vestiges also of a representation of the Saviour bearing the cross remained. The figures are rather smaller than the size of life. Another group represents the Crucifixion, with the two Marys ; the expression of death in the countenance of our Lord is remarkable; the head is "bowed" in the last agony, but a diminu- tive soldier at the foot of the cross is still occupied in driving one of the nails. The Rev. Francis Dyson presented to the Institute a coloured facsimile drawing of a portion of the painted glass in the East window at Great Malvern Abbey church. It represents the Last Supper. St. John appears reclining against the bosom of our Saviour. Angels above hold scrolls, with the UKjtto often repeated in the windows of this church — " Letabor in niisericordia." Mr. Octavius Morgan communicated a notice of two small vessels with covers, of peculiar fashion, having on one side a small handle, ada])ted for some unknown purpose. The lower portion is of too globular a form to be ^ The drawing of this fragmciU was- cxamiiuil h Mr. Ptlit and Mr. Paiktr. Its dale M-is considered to be circa 1180.