THE MUSEUM of Farnham is welcoming visitors to its latest temporary exhibition on the Murals at St Mark’s.

Painted at St Mark’s Church in Upper Hale by unheralded local artist Kitty Milroy between 1911 and 1920, they are a stunning example of early 20th century British mural work.

Experts have said their national importance is increased by them being a rare example of mural painting by a woman during the period.

Last summer their stabilisation and restoration was completed by wall-painting conservationists Stephen Rickerby and Lisa Shekede.

Museum manager Josh Godfrey said: “Efforts by the ‘Kitty Committee’ raised funds to pay for the restoration and conservation of the murals, giving them a new lease of life and providing the opportunity for people to admire them in all their glory.

“This exhibition gives a unique opportunity for visitors to learn more about the artist, the restoration and conservation and the murals themselves.

“Read about Kitty and her family, and her training at the Slade School of Art. Discover more about the precise and thorough work required to carefully restore and conserve paintings, including details on techniques with before and after images.

“You will encounter other original works by the artist and find out when you can go and visit the murals yourself.”

The murals depict Biblical imagery, in particular the Annunciation – when the Angel Gabriel told Mary she would conceive and give birth to Jesus – and the Benedicite, a song which appears in some versions of the Bible and in which all parts of creation are called upon to praise God, from the heavens to the waters, the sun, moon, stars and elements, the mountains and hills, the cattle, the people, ‘all that are holy and humble in heart’.

The Annunciation is on the south wall at St Mark’s and shows a female Angel Gabriel with a gilt crown meeting Mary in a meadow.

On the east and west walls are life-size figures standing beneath apple trees, all representing different elements of the Benedicite hymn. Their faces are those of local people, used by the artist as muses.

The restored murals were first revealed to a small gathering of people, many of whom had donated to the restoration, and picture restorer Nick Seversway, whose passion for the murals drove forward the work. Rev Lesley Crawley gave a talk on Kitty and the content of the murals.

The free exhibition in the museum at 38 West Street, Farnham, runs until April 30 and is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm.

For more information call 01252 715094.