Statues restored at Selsey catholic church

A pair of statues above a church in Selsey have been restored, to the delight of its parishioners.

Catholic church Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Wilfrid was built in 1962 in Church Road.

Philip Lindsey Clark, a sculptor from Chelsea and the grandfather of current parishioner Julian Lindsey Clark, was commissioned to design and mould the pair of relief statues.

These statues depict the two saints of the church, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St Wilfrid.

Over the years a few cracks appeared, while the top of the crozier fell off and the statues became dirty.

The parish recently engaged another sculptor, Peter Foster from Watling, who as a young student worked for a time with 
Philip at the Chelsea studio, to come down to Selsey to restore the statues.

Philip’s grandson Julian said: “This work is now complete and the statues 
look virtually as they did 
53 years ago.

“I’m delighted that my grandfather’s statues are fully restored and on full view to all who pass by.”

Philip Lindsey Clark fought in both world wars and was decorated for his bravery on the battlefield in the first world war.

He became well-known 
for his war memorials, carved in wood or stone, as well as his numerous sculptures in churches and public places.

The church is home to several pieces of artwork, including a large abstract coloured glass window with the christian fish symbol, which was created by 
Gabriel Loire of Chartres, as well as the stained glass Stations of the Cross, which were created by Joseph Nuttgens.

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