Highly Commended at the Stone Federation Awards 2024 – Restoration the North Transept Window, St Philip’s Church, Litherland, Liverpool
Historic buildings tell the stories of their communities, and few do so as eloquently as St Philip’s Church in Litherland, Liverpool. A much‑loved local landmark, the church is rich in architectural character and cultural significance. When restoration became necessary to the North Transept Window, it was essential that the work honoured this heritage while ensuring long‑term performance.
This sensitive project was Highly Commended in the Repair and Restoration (Ecclesiastical) category at the Stone Federation Awards 2024 – a recognition that celebrates craftsmanship, collaboration, and careful material choice.
A Collaborative Approach to Heritage Restoration
This project was delivered in close partnership with Mather and Ellis Ltd and Schafer Associates – Chartered Architects. From the outset, the shared aim was clear: protect the architectural integrity of St Philip’s Church while carrying out repairs that would stand the test of time.
Ecclesiastical buildings present unique challenges. Any intervention must be respectful, technically sound, and visually sympathetic – especially when dealing with prominent features such as historic stonework.
Balancing Authenticity and Performance
Restoration within a historic church is never just about replacing material. The new stone needed to:
- Closely match the existing historic fabric
- Perform reliably in an exposed environment
- Preserve the architectural character of the building
Finding a stone that met all these requirements was essential to achieving a seamless and durable result.
As stone supplier, we provided our award‑winning Witton Fell sandstone for the restoration of the North Transept Window. Carefully selected for its exceptional quality and historical compatibility, the stone was ideally suited to the church’s original construction.
Renowned for its durability and timeless appearance, Witton Fell sandstone blended effortlessly with the existing masonry, ensuring the repairs respected the original design – without compromise.
A Seamless Restoration
The restored window now sits naturally within the wider structure of the church, maintaining its historic character while safeguarding it for future generations. The success of the project is reflected not only in the finished work, but also in the recognition it received from the Stone Federation judges.
This commendation is a testament to the skill, dedication, and collaboration of everyone involved – and a reminder of what can be achieved when heritage is treated with the care it deserves.
Continuing Our Commitment to Heritage
Projects like St Philip’s Church reflect our wider mission: honouring the past while protecting historic buildings for the future. We’re grateful to have worked alongside such committed partners and look forward to supporting many more heritage restoration projects in the years to come.
Planning a Restoration Project?
If you’re planning a heritage, conservation, or restoration project, get in touch to find out how we can support your scheme from specification to supply.