St Asaph Cathedral announces new Cathedral Architect
St Asaph Cathedral in Denbighshire has appointed Elgan Jones, associate architect at Donald Insall Associates, as the Cathedral Architect and Surveyor to the Fabric. The appointment follows the retirement of Robin Wolley, who served in this role previously.
Reputed to be the smallest cathedral in Britain and the oldest in Wales, the Grade I-listed St Asaph Cathedral is home to William Morgan’s first Welsh translation of the bible. It was established as a Norman cathedral in 1143, with an Early English style choir constructed c.1239. It has undergone numerous works over the centuries that followed, notably restored between 1867-75 by Sir George Gilbert Scott. The current building is a testament to the layers of architectural works throughout its history, with 13th, 14th and 19th-century fabric sitting alongside each other.
Elgan Jones is a RIBA and AABC-accredited conservation architect. He is a SPAB Lethaby Scholar (2014) and recipient of the 2018 RIBA RSAW Project Architect of the Year. Elgan continues to work with the SPAB one day a week assessing casework for ecclesiastical faculty applications and secular and listed building consent across Wales; he is also a member of the Bangor Diocese and St Asaph DAC. He will initially lead a Quinquennial Inspection of the cathedral to understand the building fabric’s current condition and any care and repair that needs to be undertaken.
“Growing up locally, I have always admired the St Asaph Cathedral as a picturesque landmark. Through my architectural studies and career, I have become more appreciative of the cathedral’s story – its rich history, connection to Welsh culture and how this is reflected in the building’s layered architecture. I am honoured to be appointed Cathedral Architect and look forward to becoming one of the custodians of the cathedral’s fabric, character and its future.”
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