News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Reg-Portman-main_article_image.jpg
DIOCESE OF HEREFORD
UK News

Artist finishes project to draw every Anglican Church in Hereford, after 15 years

by Antony Bushfield

Reg Portman has been drawing the buildings since 2000 when he took up the hobby as therapy after an illness.

"What started as a refresher exercise in 'line drawing' at my then local church of Ford, near Shrewsbury, became a project to complete all the parish churches in Hereford Diocese," said Reg. "I only have the Cathedral left to do."

Reg has completed more than 400 church buildings in the most rural diocese of the Church of England.

He's covered Herefordshire, South Shropshire and parishes in parts of Wales and Worcestershire.

He has included churches which have closed during the fifteen years he has been working on the project.

The artist visited every church to do a pencil sketch before finishing in pen and ink at home.

DIOCESE OF HEREFORD

"He has become a bit of a celebrity over the years, being a sociable person he was always happy for people to chat to him while sketching," said Anni Holden, spokesperson for the Diocese.

"In the last few years we have advertised his whereabouts on Facebook which amused him no end and his grandchildren!"

It's hoped a number of the drawings will be displayed in Hereford Cathedral in 2016 or 2017.

"We are very fortunate that at the beginning of the third Millennium we have a record of every Anglican Church in the Diocese, which is quite amazing," added Anni.

"Reg is a super bloke and carried on despite the illness and death of his wife of sixty years. His drawings are detailed, although he does move the odd tree or gravestone if it gets in the way of the building! We are really grateful for what he has done. What an achievement!"

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate