A significant historical narrative has emerged from the restoration of the mosaic at St Lawrence Church in Great Waldingfield, Suffolk. The story centers around sisters Emily and Anne-Louise Baily, who in 1861 traveled to Egypt and returned with a collection of stones that would become part of the church’s mosaic.
This restoration project has not only revived the church’s aesthetic but also unearthed details about the sisters’ remarkable journey. The Baily sisters, both in their 40s, collected various stones, including marble, granite, porphyry, and alabaster, during their extensive travels across Europe and the Middle East. Their adventure was unusual for women of their time, as noted by researcher Phil Judd, who studied their lives alongside his wife, Dawn Judd. He remarked, “Their trip was one that very few men had even done, let alone for two women, given the clothing they wore and the lack of transportation.”
The sisters’ travels took them through challenging terrains, including Wadi Halfa, located on the border between Egypt and Sudan. This achievement was particularly notable, as Mr. Judd pointed out, “very few men had even been able to achieve that.” The Baily family belonged to a wealthy background, with relatives who were lawyers, baronets, and surgeons. They were also known for their philanthropic efforts, including providing food for local schoolchildren in their village.
As the research progressed, the Judds discovered new material about the sisters, including a book found in the United States. This revelation fueled their quest to learn more about the sisters’ lives, which had previously been shrouded in limited documentation. The sisters returned from their year-long tour with small fragments of rock, which were sent to Rome to be finely sliced for use in the church’s chancel mosaic.
The intricate craftsmanship of the mosaic is a testament to the dedication and skill involved in its creation. Christopher Francis, church warden, praised the artistry, stating, “The different materials, these different stones, there’s not a grout line between them; they’re all intermeshed.”
Despite their historical significance, the small fragments of rock brought back by the sisters posed minimal risk of being reclaimed by their country of origin, as they measured only “about one or two millimeters thick,” explained Reverend Faith Marsden, the church’s vicar.
The mosaic began to deteriorate in 2001, prompting efforts for preservation. Funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust has enabled essential restoration work to take place. Ms. Marsden highlighted the dual impact of the project: “A small Suffolk village that has an incredible story from around the world, not only is the reredos revived, so is its history.”
As the restoration progresses, the story of the Baily sisters serves as a reminder of the rich history intertwined with local heritage. Their journey, marked by courage and dedication, continues to inspire and educate future generations about the remarkable contributions of women in history.
