Facelift for Saint Columba and Saint Patrick

The reproduction of part of a larger print, attached in the picture gallery, of St Columb’s Cathedral in 1840, shows the alabaster heads on either side of the old East Window. This print currently hangs in the Chapter House at the Cathedral, and shows the interior of the famous and historic Cathedral prior to it’s refurbishment in the early 1860s, and the new Chancel added.

According to Cathedral guide, Ian Bartlett, when the Cathedral was extended and the Chancel added, the heads were moved to ether side of the vestibule door, and this is where they will be returned.

If you look closely at the photographs which accompany this story, you can clearly see that one of the Saintly heads wears a shamrock crown. This is the image representing St Patrick. The one with the crown is Columba.

“During the restoration of the Cathedral some damage was caused to them and the decision was taken to take them down and to have them repaired,” said Ian.

“The two heads have now been restored to their former glory and they will shortly be replaced in their former position in the Vestibule of the Cathedral,” said Ian.

Prior to being re-hung the two heads were on display in the foyer last week, where Sentinel photographer Keith Moore was able to get some close-up photographs showing their faces in intricate detail.