Processional Cross & Crucifix Restoration
We restore processional crosses and crucifixes for churches across London and the UK.
These crosses lead worship and processions, and they take wear from regular use. Metal crosses tarnish and lose their finish. Wooden crosses and corpus figures crack, split, or lose their paint. Staffs bend or break. Bases become unstable. Years of handling, storage, and liturgical use all take their toll. We restore processional crosses and crucifixes so they can continue in service. Metal portions are replated or refinished, wooden elements are repaired and refinished, corpus figures are restored, and structural problems are fixed. We work with brass, bronze, silver, wood, and all the materials these crosses are made from. We've been restoring processional crosses for churches since 1962, serving Catholic, Anglican, and other Christian communities across London and throughout Britain.
Why Churches Trust Us
Processional crosses combine different materials and require understanding how each part works together. We've restored these crosses for churches for over 60 years.
Family run since 1962, serving churches across London and the UK
Experience with metal and wooden processional crosses
Brass, bronze, and silver replating and refinishing
Wood repair, refinishing, and painting restoration
Corpus figure restoration and reattachment
Staff repairs and straightening
We understand what these crosses go through during use
Clear communication with clergy and sacristans
Crosses returned ready for liturgical service
How We Restore Processional Crosses
Each cross is different. Some need light refinishing, others need complete restoration. We assess what's needed and discuss it with you first.
Assess the Cross
We examine the piece to see what restoration is required. This includes checking metal finishes, looking at wooden elements for damage, inspecting the corpus if present, and checking the staff and base for structural problems.
Clean Carefully
The cross is cleaned using methods appropriate for its materials. Metal, wood, and painted surfaces all need different handling.
Repair Wood Damage
Cracks and splits in wooden crosses or corpus figures are repaired, loose joints are reglued, missing pieces are restored where possible, and structural problems are fixed.
Restore Metal Finishes
Tarnished brass or bronze is stripped and replated or lacquered, worn silver plating is renewed, damaged decorative metalwork is repaired, and all metal surfaces are restored to their proper finish.
Restore Corpus Figures
Paint on wooden corpus figures is restored, loose or damaged corpus attachments are secured, broken fingers or other details are repaired where possible, and the corpus is cleaned and refinished as needed.
Repair Staff and Base
Bent staffs are straightened, broken staff sections are repaired or replaced, unstable bases are fixed, and all connections are checked to make sure the cross is safe to carry.
Final Check
Every cross is inspected to make sure it's balanced, stable, and ready to be carried in procession.
Most restorations take 1 to 2 weeks due to the variety of materials and work involved. Crosses needing extensive wood repair or custom work may take longer. We keep you updated.
Crosses and Crucifixes We Work With
We restore all types of processional crosses, from simple to ornate, metal or wood, old to modern.
Metal Processional Crosses Brass processional crosses and crucifixes, bronze crosses with decorative work, silver or silver plated crosses, combination metal and wood crosses, Gothic and contemporary designs.
Wooden Processional Crosses Carved wooden crucifixes with painted corpus, simple wooden crosses with metal corpus, San Damiano style crosses, hand painted processional crosses, antique wooden crosses needing restoration.
Corpus Figures Metal corpus figures needing replating, wooden painted corpus needing restoration, damaged corpus requiring repair, loose or broken corpus attachments, INRI plaques and decorative elements.
Staffs and Bases Brass and wooden processional staffs, bent or damaged staff sections, unstable or broken bases, connection points between cross and staff, decorative finials and top sections.
Common Problems We Fix Worn or tarnished metal finishes, cracked or split wooden crosses, damaged or loose corpus figures, chipped or faded paint on wooden elements, bent or broken staffs, unstable bases, loose decorative elements, structural damage from drops or accidents.
All work maintains crosses suitable for liturgical processions and worship.
Churches We Help
We serve Christian communities across London and throughout the UK. Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and other churches trust us with their processional crosses.
Catholic Parishes Restoring processional crucifixes used during Mass, processions, and liturgical celebrations.
Anglican Churches Serving both High Church Anglo-Catholic parishes and other Anglican communities that use processional crosses.
Lutheran Churches Restoring processional crosses used in Lutheran worship and processions.
Cathedrals and Large Churches Caring for historic crosses and maintaining multiple processional crosses for different liturgical uses.
Other Christian Communities Serving Methodist, Baptist, and other Protestant churches that use processional crosses in worship.
Restoration Costs
Pricing depends on the cross's size, materials, condition, and work required. A simple metal cross needing only replating costs less than a large wooden crucifix requiring corpus restoration, wood repair, and refinishing.
Send clear photos showing the overall cross, close ups of the corpus if present, any damaged areas, and the staff and base. Tell us what problems you've noticed. We'll assess the work needed and provide a clear quote.
Most restorations take 1 to 2 weeks. Crosses needing extensive repair or custom work may take longer. We'll give you realistic timescales with your quote.
How to Send Crosses to Us
Churches send processional crosses to us from across the UK. Here's how to do it safely.
Disassemble if Possible Many processional crosses separate from their staffs. If yours does, pack the cross head and staff separately. This makes shipping safer and easier.
Pack Carefully Wrap the cross in soft material and bubble wrap, paying special attention to any corpus figure or decorative elements. Use a sturdy box or tube for the staff. Include adequate padding to prevent movement.
Consider Size Large processional crosses with staffs can be over six feet tall. Contact us first to discuss the best way to transport larger pieces.
Include Information Send a note with your church name, contact person, phone number, email, and return address. Describe any specific concerns or areas needing attention.
Use Secure Delivery Always send fully tracked and insured. Royal Mail Special Delivery for smaller items, or a courier with proper insurance for larger crosses.
What Happens We'll confirm when items arrive. You'll get updates during restoration. We'll contact you when work is finished and arrange secure return delivery.
Our Address Stevenson Platers 34 Woodgrange Avenue Harrow London HA3 0XD
Questions About Processional Cross Restoration
Here are questions churches commonly ask about restoration of processional crosses and crucifixes.
Can you restore wooden corpus figures that have damaged paint?
Yes. We restore painted wooden corpus figures, touching up chipped or faded paint, repairing cracks in the wood, and bringing back the proper finish. If the paint is severely damaged, more extensive restoration may be needed.
What if the corpus has broken fingers or other small parts?
Small broken parts can often be repaired or carefully recreated to match the original. We'll assess the damage and let you know what can be done to restore the corpus properly.
Can you restore very old or antique processional crosses?
Yes. We work on crosses of all ages, including historic and antique pieces. Older crosses are handled carefully to preserve their character while making them suitable for continued use in worship.
What if the staff is bent or damaged?
Bent metal staffs can usually be straightened. Broken sections can be repaired or replaced. Wooden staffs with cracks or damage can be repaired and refinished. We make sure the cross is safe and balanced for carrying.
Can you fix crosses where the corpus has come loose?
Yes. Loose corpus figures are reattached securely using appropriate methods for the materials involved. We make sure the attachment is strong enough for the cross to be carried safely in procession.
Will restored crosses look different from their original appearance?
We aim to restore crosses to their original appearance and finish. Any significant changes would be discussed with you before proceeding. Our goal is to return crosses looking as they should while being structurally sound.
Can we visit to discuss restoration in person?
Yes. For churches with specific concerns or valuable historic crosses, meeting face to face can help. We're in Harrow, London. Call 07391 007 123 to arrange a time. Some churches prefer to bring crosses directly rather than posting them.
How often do processional crosses need restoration?
It depends on use and storage. Crosses used regularly may need attention every 8 to 12 years as finishes wear and wood ages. Those used less frequently or stored carefully last longer between restorations.
Request Your Quote
Send clear photos of your processional cross showing the overall piece, close ups of the corpus if present, any damaged areas, and the staff and base. Include your church name and contact details. We'll assess what's needed and provide a quote.
Processional Cross Restoration Across London and the UK
We've been restoring processional crosses and crucifixes for churches across London and the UK since 1962. Every cross is handled with the care it needs. If your church has a processional cross needing restoration, we're here to help. Send items by post with full insurance or bring them directly to us in Harrow.
Pricing depends on the cross's size, materials, condition, and work required. A simple metal cross needing only replating costs less than a large wooden crucifix requiring corpus restoration, wood repair, and refinishing.