A Labour of Love by Gary Bevans

The replica of the Sistine Chapel ceiling painted two thirds of the size of the one in Rome by signwriter Gary Bevans in the English Martyrs Church at Goring- by -Sea is amazingly beautifully rendered and is a surprising hidden gem inside a church which looks quite modern from the outside. Gary Bevans began the painting in 1987 when he reskinned the ceiling with ply panelling, and then began what was a 5 year painting. There are many accounts of the ceiling, including this one in the Guardian.

Initially Gary says he couldn't paint for long at a time bending his head back and working from scaffolding, but eventually managed to work for up to 4 hours at a time. The silvered mirror trays help with viewing the ceiling so you don't have to lean back.

I took a few more photos of the ceiling which includes descent to the windows

and here's another view of the ceiling

After the ceiling, the Artist also painted the walls and decor of the church to create a marble effect.

And additionally painted his version of the Last Supper, seen below with some variations from a more traditional one and including a dog, a symbol of faithfulness.

The church is open for services all the year round, but not to visitors wanting to see the ceilings, it will reopen at Easter, more details here

There are also quite a few beautiful windows, including the one below designed by Annie Goodman, and executed by her son, Jeremy Goodman, a professional glass maker. More on the windows here.