Date: 05 January 2022
Historic England recently described St Mark’s church, Upper Hale as one of the “most captivating places across the South East”. The Grade II listing the church received from the heritage body is in recognition of the “stunning” murals, painted by Kitty Milroy.
In 1920, the artist Kitty Milroy completed her nine-year task of beautifying the walls of the chancel of St Mark’s. They depict the Annunciation, the Benedicite and the joys of music described in Psalm 150. There are records of Kitty exhibiting paintings both locally and in London, and drawings of the St Mark’s frescos were exhibited in the 1923 Winter Exhibition at the Royal Academy.
The murals were restored by specialists in 2021 and new lighting has been installed to show them off to their best advantage.
“We are thrilled that St Mark’s has received this accolade,” says the Rector, the Revd Lesley Crawley. “The murals are a real gem and we are really thankful that Kitty Milroy’s art and skill are being recognised. She was a truly gifted artist and the murals are stunning examples of her work and a testament to her faith. They are also significant from the perspective of local history as the people who modelled for her were local villagers and we are gradually discovering who they were.”
Heritage Minister Nigel Huddleston explained that listing St Mark’s and other historic sites is a way of protecting, “Our valuable heritage for future generations to learn from and ensure they are on the map for local people and visitors to be proud of and enjoy.”
St Mark’s welcomes all to enjoy the beautiful works of art. The church which was built in the 1880s to serve the village of Upper Hale, continues its service to the local community today.