The Reed Celtic Cross monument receives a professional clean

Abney Park Trust are extremely pleased to announce the completion of the professional clean of the majestic grey granite Irish Celtic Cross of brothers Andrew Holmes Reed and Talbot Baines Reed that stands near the Church Street entrance at Abney House Corner.

The monument, which is Grade II Heritage listed, was cleaned by Orbis Conservation, who also worked on the recently restored Coronation Avenue Civilian War Memorial. The general structural condition of the cross was deemed to be sound but many years of weathering had resulted in a roughening of the stone’s surface. The surface of the cross was predominantly covered by green (sometimes appearing black) algae. Overhanging branches were likely to have been contributing further to biological staining.

Prior to the clean, tests were carried out using three different methods on the rear of the base. To protect the environment and get the best cleaning result the chosen method was a clean with bristle brushes, water and dedicated elbow grease. The rougher and more intricate areas were cleaned using water and a weak solution of non-ionic surfactant. As each area was cleaned it was patted dry to ensure an even result. Ivy growing at the base was also removed, and the uneven ground surrounding the base has been levelled off to reveal the lower plinth. (In doing so this also revealed the previously obscured grave number of 87098.)

Abney House Corner is the location of three impressive Reed family monuments, although the most spectacular would be considered by many to be the Celtic Cross. This was carved in Kilkenny, Ireland by James O’Shea of the O’Shea brother’s company and is solid grey Irish granite, described as ‘sparkling’ in the book ‘A Guide to Abney Park Cemetery’. The cross dates from 1892 / 1893 and it is said to have been transported from Ireland in one piece. It is estimated to weigh 20 tonnes. One can only imagine the work involved in the transportation and placement of such an object.

This ornamental cross is beautifully detailed and laden with Celtic symbolism, more apparent now the stone is clean. The Celtic Cross is an ancient symbol that dates back to the Romans. The circle that surrounds the intersection of the cross itself symbolises eternity. The panels depicting dragons (or serpents) entwined and swallowing their own tails symbolise hope for eternal life and / or eternity. The adeptly executed interlacing knotwork of geometric designs are also a symbol of continuity. These designs developed from spirals, chevrons and step patterns are based on the shapes made when plaiting and weaving.

Andrew Holmes Reed, buried in 1892 aged 43 and Talbot Baines Reed, buried 1893 aged 41 were the second and third sons, respectively, of Sir Charles Reed. Talbot Baines was a printer and typefounder, working at the family foundry in Fann St with his brother Andrew, who retired in 1881 due to ill health.

Talbot Baines wrote many stories for the ‘Boys' Own Paper’ and the 38th episode ‘Fifth Form at St Dominic's’ was published as a book which began the genre of School Stories. It was more popular than Reed's other great work ‘The History of the Old English Letter Foundries’, which reflects his role of running the family printing business in from the age of 29. His foundry-cast custom typefaces are still in use today.

Their father Sir Charles Reed served as the first MP for Hackney from 1868 – 1874. He began as a typefounder but was also a director of Abney Park Cemetery from 1866 – 1881, and Chairman of the London Schools Board. Sir Charles is buried with his first son nearby, beneath a polished grey granite obelisk that suffered damage during the war.

The grandfather of Andrew and Talbot Baines was the Rev’d Dr Andrew Reed, a Congregationalist Minister who became a prominent philanthropist and social reformer. His achievements include the founding of London Orphan Asylum, the Infant Orphan Asylum and the Reedham Orphanage, which he undertook on non-denominational lines. Dr Reed is also buried at Abney House Corner, his memorial stone is a large red granite obelisk.

Visitors to Abney Park may have noticed that works are underway to repair the slate sarcophagus near the Church Street entrance. This work and that of the cleaning of the Reed Cross are both a part of on-going monument restoration works that are being planned to take place in the coming years.

Abney Park Trust has raised money for monument repairs through walks, talks and fairs as well as receiving generous donations from the public.

Please make a donation so that we can continue with our monument restoration programme.