True’s Yard unveils Lego model of St Nicholas’ Chapel in King’s Lynn
St Nicholas' Chapel, in King's Lynn, has been recreated in Lego Picture: Warren Elsmore Ltd - Credit: Archant
One of Norfolk's finest churches has been celebrated in Lego.
St Nicholas' Chapel in King's Lynn. Picture: Matthew Usher.
True's Yard Fisherfolk Museum commissioned the model of nearby St Nicholas' Chapel to increase visitors' appreciation for the North End landmark.
The model, built by Warren Elsmore Ltd in Edinburgh, uses around 8,000 bricks and took 30 hours to build. The most difficult part of the design was creating the diagonal tiling around the altar.
Warren Elsmore said: 'We originally planned to build only the outside of the chapel. But when we saw the inside, we knew that we couldn't leave it out. This made the design a lot trickier, as we had to recreate the entire interior, and leave out some structural walls so visitors could see inside.
The interior of the chapel Picture: Warren Elsmore Ltd - Credit: Archant
'Our master builders had great fun recreating details such as the grand memorials, the anchor, and the Father Willis pipe organ, often from only a few plastic bricks.'
King's Lynn has a rich architectural legacy, with 300 listed buildings in the town. St Nicholas' Chapel is one of the grandest.
The chapel was founded in 1145 by William Turbus, Bishop of Norwich, although much of the building seen today is the result of a late 14th century rebuild.
The spectacular interior of the church. Picture: Matthew Usher.
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It is described by architectural guru Nikolaus Pevsner as 'the best example in the county of the influence of the friars' large preaching churches'.
The chapel has been in the care of The Churches Conservation Trust since 1992 and in 2011 was awarded £1.5m by the Heritage Lottery Fund for restoration and interpretation work.
Rebecca Rees, deputy manager at True's Yard, said: 'Lego is a classic children's toy which appeals to all ages and St Nicholas' Chapel is one of the town's most iconic landmarks. We hope parents, grandparents and children alike will enjoy our model and maybe try and build their own in our Lego corner at True's Yard.'
An exterior view of the model Picture: Warren Elsmore Ltd - Credit: Archant
The model of St Nicholas' Chapel will be on display at the Museum from Thursday, June 21. The model will eventually be incorporated into the Museum's permanent exhibition as part of a planned refurbishment of its exhibition gallery.
True's Yard is a community museum and heritage site which was officially opened in 1991. For details about the Museum's opening times and admission prices call 01553 770479 or go to www.truesyard.co.uk.
An exhibition beaneath the stained glass wimdows in St Nicholas Chapel in King's Lynn. Picture: Chris Bishop - Credit: Archant
A strained glass window in the church Warren Elsmore Ltd - Credit: Archant
