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Trinity College Kandy - Respice Finem

Trinity College Kandy - Respice Finem

Trinity College, Kandy Respice Finem

T +94 70 6 65 65 65
Email: info@trinitycollege.lk

Trinity College, Kandy
262, D S Senanayake Veediya, Kandy 20000, Central Province, Sri Lanka

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Friday, 28 August 2020 / Published in Chapel, College, News

Restoration of the David Paynter Murals – Chapel of Trinity College Kandy

Built along the lines of Sri Lankan and Kandyan architecture and dedicated to the service of God in 1935, the Trinity College Chapel stands in a serene environment of the School. The Chapel is known to be one of the finest architectural undertakings in contemporary Sri Lanka.

The murals done by David Paynter on the walls of the Chapel are regarded as unique examples of Christian art in Asia, painted as they are on the bare surface of the granite walls. Local scenery and local models were used to depict Biblical stories in order to give them an indigenous character and validity.

The mural “Are Ye Able” was painted in 1928,“The Crucifixion”  in 1933. (the backdrop for the crucifixion is a location in north eastern Sri Lanka near Trincomalee),“The Good Samaritan” in 1957, (replacing an earlier version on the same subject), and  “Jesus Washing the Disciples’ Feet” was painted in 1965 (replacing an earlier version).

‘Are Ye Able’ inside the Chapel of the Light of the World (in the Side Chapel)
‘The Crucifixion’
‘The Good Samaritan’
‘Jesus Washing the Disciples’ feet’

It would be of interest to note that David Paynter, an old boy of Trinity, was a pioneer creator of a Sri Lankan idiom in what was essentially a Western art form The monumental work of architecture in the Chapel was exemplified by Paynter’s work on the murals, “an European world view rooted in the vernacular of the land”.

He was a respected sportsman, having boxed and played rugby. When he returned to Trinity in 1925 to work on the murals, he also taught art, coached school sports teams, and indulged his fancy for theatricals; he spent school vacations under canvas in the jungles painting.

David Paynter working on the Crucifixion mural
David Paynter working on the “Washing of the Feet” mural

Restorations done in 1954 and 1990s

In 1954 the original corrugated zinc roof sheets were replaced with calicut tiles., During the course of the re-roofing, the murals above the pulpit and lectern were badly damaged. Paynter subsequently repainted these murals, completing the work in 1957.

The same murals were re-touched by Stanley Kirinde in the 1990’s.

Present condition of the murals

Due to the murals being open to the elements for many years, they are in dire need of restoration.  The paintings have suffered from several agents of deterioration: rainwater and contaminants being the main culprits. The impact of light or visible radiation and ultra-violet radiation is greater on the front murals, compared to the Crucifixion mural and the one inside the Side Chapel.

The dissociation of paint particles is considered to be another cause for the deterioration of the murals. Whitish lines in a rectangular grid (corresponding to the stone block dimensions) are now clearly visible on the murals.

It is estimated that within the next 90 years, this deterioration, if left unarrested, will escalate to the extent that the murals may not be visible.

We believe a full restoration of the murals would help these paintings to last longer physically and aesthetically at the Chapel.

Proposed conservation treatments

The College is planning to tackle the deterioration of the murals in the following manner:

  1. Building – roof repair
  2. Structural – stone support related
  3. Surface – paint surface and varnish related

The civil work in connection with the roof repair has already been completed and the result is currently under observation. Old boys and well wishes who wish to be a part of this restoration project are welcome to write to info@trinitycollege.lk for further information.

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CLUBS & SOCIETIES NEWS

  • HELIOS Extinguished – Trinity College Gavelliers reign as the forerunners at the All-Island CompetitionsMarch 19, 2023
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  • TCMUN Dominates at the Mahamaya MUN Conference ‘23March 17, 2023

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A major #throwback to The Blend from Thrithva Rang A major #throwback to The Blend from Thrithva Ranga 2017!Here's a LIVE performance of Gratitude - (Amin Toofani) - A solo cover by Akila GunawardhanaListen to the track on our SoundCloud page!#trinitycollegelk #thrithvaranga #theblend #gratitude #guitar #cover #song #trinity #college #kandy #srilanka
The Cross and Triumph of Christ - A Lenten Meditat The Cross and Triumph of Christ - A Lenten Meditation and Easter Reflection in Music, Lesson and Prayer will take place on 02 April 2023, 6.30pm at the Trinity College Chapel, Kandy.The service will feature the music of Handel, Bach, Mozart, Kendrick, Dubra, Gjeilo and well loved Hymns#trinitycollegelk #trinitycollegekandy #crossandtriumphofchrist #service #easter #lenten #music #lesson #prayer #handel #bach #mozart #kendrick
The Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Sr The Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Sri Lanka, His Excellency Maged Mosleh paid a courtesy visit to Trinity College on Friday, the 17th of March 2023.Following the cordial discussions with the Principal on matters related to education and culture, the Ambassador had a guided tour of premises with Mr. Shane De Silva.#trinitycollegelk #trinitycollegekandy #visit #ambassaodor #egyptian
Trinity College PROMWEB is excited to announce the Trinity College PROMWEB is excited to announce the screening of the Oscar winning documentary 'Elephant Whisperers' taking place on Tuesday, 28th of March 2023, 2.30pm at the Trinity College Media Studio (Near the College Library).We are inviting interested students from Grade 9 and Upwards - to register yourself via the Microsoft Form at www.bit.ly/promwebreg01 on or before 23 March 2023.Limited registrations available!#trinitycollegelk #trinitycollegekandy #documentary #screenings
From the #GavelClubPost completion of the prelim From the #GavelClubPost completion of the preliminary rounds and semi-finals of HELIOS 22 organized by the Gavel Club of Hillwood College Kandy the finale was set on the 11th of March 2023.At the playoffs of the HELIOS Interschool Competition 22 our very own Trinity College Gavelliers with their zealous drive ran the show with finalists Masters Isija Thilakrathne and Yeshan Ranatunga emerging with podium finishes.Read the full review on our College website!#trinitycollegelk #trinitycollegekandy #gavelclub #winners #trinity #college #kandy
TCMUN, in its short but vivid history has thrived, TCMUN, in its short but vivid history has thrived, gaining recognition for being daring and relentless. The names of Bilaal Marikar, Malaka Samarasinghe and Lukman Hassan have resonated in the conference halls of Sri Lanka. And this year’s participation in Colombo Model United Nations (COMUN) marked another significant milestone.Read the full review on our College website!#trinitycollegelk #trinitycollegekandy #modelunitednations #tcmun #trinity #college #kandy #srilanka
The Trinity College Cycling Club completed an exci The Trinity College Cycling Club completed an exciting mission on March 6, 2023 at the Trinity Eco Learning Arena (TELA).The goal of the club was to create the first MTB (Mountain Bike) Track that a Sri Lankan School has opened. The project was aimed at providing an ideal experience for MTB riders of all skill levels while ensuring their safety.Read the full review on our College website!#trinitycollegelk #trinitycollegekandy #cyclingclub #MTBtrack #trinity #college #kany #srilanka
The Trinity College Model United Nations Club show The Trinity College Model United Nations Club showcased an impressive performance, with its delegates dominating all 6 committees of the conference at the Mahamaya MUN Conference ‘23.Read the full review on our College website!#trinitycollegelk #trinitycollegekandy #mun #tcmun #trinity #college #kandy #srilanka
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