WORK on conserving and repairing stonework on the exterior of Christ Church college in Oxford is nearing completion.

Craftsmen from construction firm Beard based at Cumnor Hill are carrying out the work on the Deanery and Treasury.

As it is a Grade I historically significant building, the project has involved very careful replacement, repair and cleaning of masonry, window surrounds, stone detailing and buttresses, which have eroded over time.

This also includes repairs and consolidation works on the Fell Tower, with its statue of Dean John Fell.

The Very Rev Christopher Lewis, dean of Christ Church, said: “I am full of admiration for Beard's work on Christ Church — at all times careful and cheerful with high-quality results.”

The company is no stranger to Christ Church, having recently completed a project to refurbish the 19th century Meadow Building.

This involved internal improvements to student accommodation and work on the building’s external fabric including extensive stonework cleaning and repair, lead works, timber restoration and re-roofing.

Beard Construction Director John Youle said: “This is our second project at Christ Church in the space of two years.

“Achieving the right balance between conserving the building and preserving the structure for the next hundred years, is our primary focus, but we are also very conscious of the requirements of a busy college working environment which have to come first.”