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Earlier in 2025, Bath College’s stonemasonry students reached a special milestone by finishing the restoration of the historic Hope Monument at Arnos Vale Cemetery in Bristol.
This important project started after storm damage in 2021. It not only brought an important piece of history back to life but also gave students real-world experience in stone repair and heritage work.
Arnos Vale Cemetery is one of Bristol’s most famous heritage places. It first opened in 1837 and is known for its Victorian memorials, sculptures, and peaceful green spaces. The cemetery is more than just a resting place; it is also like an open-air museum where visitors can explore the past.
The Hope Monument was originally dedicated to Anne Neilson in 1890. The statue represents hope, shown by the Christian symbol of an anchor. Over the years, the monument suffered damage, hiding its beauty and making the details hard to see.
Recognising how important the monument was to the cemetery and the community, Bath College decided to get involved. The College worked together with The Friends of Arnos Vale Cemetery and local volunteers to restore the monument and bring it back to its best.
Under the careful guidance of Bath College tutors Paul Maggs and Steve Shute, the students worked patiently to fix the damage. They repaired the broken parts of the anchor, including the flukes, the ring at the top, and the chain links. They also restored the statue’s right hand, carefully rebuilding the missing finger and thumb. Students used carving tools, matched stone textures, and focused on the fine details of the project.
Once the repairs were finished, the team gently cleaned the statue. They removed algae and moss without damaging the stone, which revealed the monument’s original design and carvings underneath. This careful cleaning helped bring the sculpture’s beauty back, allowing visitors to see it clearly again.
The project gave students a unique chance to build their stonemasonry skills while doing something that benefits the wider community. It also gave them experience in working on heritage projects, which is valuable for future careers in traditional crafts and conservation.
On 24 January 2025, the restored Hope Monument was carefully lifted back onto its plinth in the Combe Bottom area of the cemetery, close to Mary Carpenter’s grave. Visitors can now see the monument in its restored state, standing as a symbol of strength, remembrance, and hope for the future.
The restoration also honoured the memory of the late Alan Bambury, a long-time volunteer at Arnos Vale Cemetery. Alan had a passion for caring for the site, and his early efforts helped start this project. The finished work is a lasting tribute to both his commitment and the teamwork of Bath College students and staff.
Bath College continues to support projects like this, helping students learn valuable practical skills while giving back to the local community. The College teaches stonemasonry and other traditional crafts, preparing students for careers in heritage work, construction, and conservation.
Interested in learning stonemasonry? Find out more about our range of courses here: www.bathcollege.ac.uk/course-search