USEFUL INFORMATION 6 171 CATHEDRAL COMMUNICATIONS THE BUILDING CONSERVATION DIRECTORY 2025 were once covered in frescoes depicting saints and intricate surface patterns dating from the 14th century. Despite the arid landscape, the fabric and its murals were threatened by water ingress at various points, with damp patches in the ambulatory and the sanctuary, and the main facade was at risk of collapse. The Church Council and religious community members requested help from the Tigray government which, in turn, contacted the World Monument’s Fund for help. A programme of repairs was proposed to stop infiltration and control water run-off and the work was carried out by the WMF in collaboration with the Tigray Bureau for Culture and Tourism (TCBT) and the local community in 2021 and 2022. A preliminary investigation of the roof for previous treatments revealed that a lime-based mortar had been applied to the areas above the main church, followed by black plastic sheeting used in agricultural activities, topped with a soft capping of earth. Drainage channels had been cast in situ in parts of the roof on the south side. The soft capping was found to be relatively durable over the main church area, but in the western sector over the bedrock west of the church, it had mostly been washed or blown away, leaving the black plastic exposed. The soft capping layer was removed to expose the lime layer for assessment. To the surprise of consultants, deacons and priests, the full treatment with lime plaster had not been applied to the area above the tabot, the chest used to hold a replica of the Ark of the Covenant in the Sancta Santorum. (In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church it is the tabot that is consecrated rather than the building.) This area was found to have been covered with industrial plastic and soft capping alone. In 2021 preparatory tests were conducted on site to determine the required proportions for the repairs, and mortar mixes were tested on site to ensure the correct proportions. The main church area was well consolidated and treated using a suitable lime-based mortar mixed with sharp sand, providing good coverage and protection. However, drainage and guttering were problematic as it would have been difficult to remove the slab without damaging the original structure below. Instead It was decided to treat and consolidate it, as this would have the desired effect without undue disturbance. OLD FOURAH BAY COLLEGE, SIERRA LEONE Established in 1827, Old Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone was the first Western-style university in sub-Saharan Africa. For over a century, it played a central role in shaping the region’s governance, religion and education systems. However, the country’s brutal civil war (1991–2002) left the institution abandoned and in disrepair. The conflict displaced thousands, many of whom sought refuge in the historic The entrance to Debre Tsion church: work to reduce water ingress was supported by WMF. (Photo: Vladimir Melnik, Dreamstime ID 143618147) 14th century murals in the vaulted interior of Debre Tsion (Photo: Matyas Rehak, Dreamstime ID 259603897)
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