As you walk from First Court towards the tranquillity of the Chapel, your eye may be drawn to the statues flanking its entrance. On one side is Lady Margaret Beaufort, the College’s Foundress, and on the other is Bishop John Fisher – scholar, reformer, and trusted adviser to Lady Margaret. Recently, Fisher’s hand bore the scars of time, with several fingers lost to weather and wear. Today, thanks to the generosity of two friends of St John’s, Jane and David Hughes, Fisher’s hand has been carefully restored, reconnecting us with the College’s remarkable heritage.
The Victorian Chapel is one of the most recognisable places of worship in Cambridge, iconic to the city skyline. While the Chapel has been closed for the installation of the magnificent Father Willis organ, the Maintenance team with the help of expert conservator, Matthew Beesley, seized the opportunity to breathe new life into Fisher’s statue and the surrounding stone pillars. Matthew’s recent projects include the restoration of the Great Gate on St John’s Street, and his work blends scientific precision with artistic sensitivity.
Jane Hughes on supporting the statue project:
“The Fisher’s Fingers project was truly unique, and I’ve always liked making small, visible gestures to support St John’s. Restoring the stonework of such a significant figure in the College’s history, in one of its most iconic courts, felt like the perfect way to make a tangible difference to the fabric and heritage of the College.”
In the closing years of the fifteenth century, two remarkable figures forged a partnership that would transform the intellectual and spiritual life of Cambridge. Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII and one of England’s most influential women, met John Fisher, a rising scholar and priest whose integrity and vision matched her own deep piety. Fisher was educated at Cambridge and later became Chancellor of the University.
Fisher became Lady Margaret’s spiritual director and trusted adviser, guiding her in matters of faith while inspiring her to see education as a lasting legacy. It was her generosity, guided by Fisher’s wisdom, that led to the establishment of St John’s College, completed after her death in 1509. Fisher oversaw its statutes and governance, ensuring that her ideals of faith and learning were woven into its fabric.
Today, St John’s College stands as a living monument to their partnership, a place where Fisher’s vision and Lady Margaret’s devotion continue to inspire.
The conservation project on the statue of Fisher included a fascinating blend of science, artistry, and respect for history. Before any repairs began, conservators carefully assessed the stone’s condition, discovering layers of natural patina and traces of past cleaning. The statue’s stone and surrounding pillars (possibly Ancaster Hard White and red sandstone) were analysed to ensure the right cleaning and repair methods were chosen.
Specialist cleaning solutions were used to gently remove centuries of grime without harming the delicate surface. The team used innovative techniques, including nano-lime consolidation, to strengthen the stone at a microscopic level while preserving its breathability and historic character. Missing fingers were recast using medical-grade silicone moulds, allowing for an exact replica of the original detail, right down to the tiniest textures.
Matthew Beesley explains the work ‘required great care and delicacy’ due to the ‘weakening of the remaining adjacent stone’. He adds that: “If one goes to European cities with extensive outdoor public collections of statuary, mostly limestone or marble a large percentage of statues have either fingers restored or missing, because of the exposure to incidental damage of the appendages, and the expressive gestural carving of the hands in question.”
The project didn’t just restore what was lost; it revealed the fine Gothic details and craftsmanship that connect the statue to the College’s rich architectural heritage. This work is a testament to the skill and care of modern conservators, who combine cutting-edge science with a deep appreciation for the artistry and history of the College. Thanks to the support of Jane and David Hughes, the statue of Fisher will continue to inspire and educate generations to come.
Alongside supporting this heritage project, Jane and David Hughes are proud members of the Beaufort Society, founded in 2009 to honour and thank those who have pledged a gift to St John’s in their will. Named after Lady Margaret Beaufort, the Society celebrates the tradition of legacy giving that started with her bequest and has shaped St John’s since its foundation over 500 years ago. Today, over 390 members (both Johnians and friends of St John’s) form a vibrant community, enjoying exclusive events and a close, enduring relationship with the College.
Jane on being a member of the Beaufort Society:
“David and I feel truly honoured to have been members of the Beaufort Society for several years. Although neither of us attended St John’s, the warmth of the College community is at the heart of every visit and event we attend. That sense of welcome is what makes us such loyal supporters. From the friendly greeting at the gate by the Porters to the warm reception from the Development team, and the friendships we’ve formed with fellow Beaufort Society members, every interaction reinforces why St John’s means so much to us.”
Every contribution, large or small, helps safeguard the distinctive spirit of St John’s College. As we celebrate this restoration, we are reminded that our shared dedication to heritage ensures the College’s history remains a vibrant and inspiring presence at the heart of our community.
If you are interested in leaving a legacy to St John’s and joining the Beaufort Society, please email beaufortsociety@joh.cam.ac.uk or visit johnian.joh.cam.ac.uk/beaufort-society/ for more information.
Written by
Emma is the Development Manager (Major Gifts and Legacies) for St John’s.
