Mystery surrounds church artist

Restoration of the reredos is now complete

The removal of decades of dirt and dust from a church's painting has provided a clue to the identity of its artist.

The initials NHW were revealed when the painting at St Ethelwold's Church in Shotton, Flintshire, was restored for the first time in 50 years.

The painting, of Christ holding the Book of Life, was given to the church in 1902 by architect John Douglas.

Parishioners are now being asked to contact the church if they know who NHW might have been.

The painting, known as a reredos (the decoration on the wall behind the altar) was last restored 50 years ago.

The latest restoration began five years ago, and the initials on the painting were only recently discovered by artist Vincent Hall.

It is known that the reredos was donated by the famous architect John Douglas, who designed and worked on many buildings across north Wales and Cheshire.

The works have been restored by artist Vincent Hall

Listed among his works in the Wrexham area are Acton Park Lodge in Acton, Christ Church in Rossett and the parish church of St Chad in Holt.

In its latest news letter, Teulu Asaph, the Diocese of St Asaph appeals for information from parishioners.

It says: "Restorers are working at St Ethwelwold's, Shotton, to unveil the true beauty of the church's reredos.

"But there is now a new mystery - the identity of the original artist.

"The central panel of the triptych, above the church's high altar, shows Christ in majesty, holding the Book of Life.

"This photograph shows his face being revealed from behind decades of dirt and the effects of past attempts at cleaning.

"But who was NHW, the mysterious artist of the work?"