King's Lynn landmark turned into Lego model
A miniature version of one of Lynn’s most iconic landmarks will be unveiled this week and officials hope it will increase appreciation of the building.
The model of St Nicholas’ Chapel, which was made from around 8,000 bricks, is the latest stage in True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum’s Lego project.
True’s Yard deputy manager Rebecca Rees said: “Lego is a classic children’s toy which appeals to all ages and St Nicholas’ Chapel is one of the town’s most iconic landmarks.
“We hope that parents, grandparents and children alike will enjoy our model and maybe try and build their own in our Lego corner at True’s Yard.”
It took Warren Elsmore Ltd, based in Edinburgh, about 30 hours to construct the model.
The most difficult part of the design was creating the diagonal tiling around the altar.
Warren Elsmore said: “We originally planned to build only the outside of the chapel, but when we saw the inside, we knew that we couldn’t leave it out.
“This made the design a lot trickier, as we had to recreate the entire interior, and leave out some structural walls so visitors could see inside.
“Our master builders had great fun recreating details such as the grand memorials, the anchor, and the Father Willis pipe organ, often from only a few plastic bricks.”
The model of St Nicholas’ Chapel will be on display at the museum from Thursday, when it will be officially unveiled by deputy borough mayor Geoff Hipperson,
Following this, it will eventually be incorporated into its permanent exhibition as part of a planned refurbishment of its first exhibition gallery.
Lynn has a rich architectural legacy, with 300 listed buildings in the town, and St Nicholas’ Chapel is one of the grandest.
The chapel was founded in 1145 by William Turbus, Bishop of Norwich, although much of the building seen today is the result of a late 14th century rebuild – it was finished in 1415.
It has been in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust since 1992 and in 2011 was awarded £1.5 million by the Heritage Lottery Fund for restoration and interpretation work.
For details about True’s Yard’s opening times and admission prices, call 01553 770409 or visit their website www.truesyard.co.uk.
