AT St Mark’s Church in Upper Hale, painted on the walls of the chancel is a unique piece of local history.

About 100 years ago, Kitty Milroy, a local artist, painted local people and local scenes in murals.

However, the paintings now are in a precarious condition. There is curling of the paint and paint losses and areas where the paintings have been rubbed over many years resulting in a powdering of the paint.

In order to save this piece of local heritage, St Mark’s needs to apply to various organisations for grants in order to stabilise the loose paint as conservation is the first and most important goal.

Once this has been done, then filling and restoration can take place hopefully with further funding. In the meantime it is calling on the community to help.

Nick Seversway, a local restorer of paintings said: “What we need to do to put a case for grants is to gather as much information as possible and this is where you come in.

“There are some names linked to the figures, but we would love to know exactly who posed for which picture.

“Also there was once a huge amount of preliminary drawings and paintings does anyone know what happened to them?”

Nick added the biggest mystery is Kitty Milroy herself. The artist was the daughter of the vicar of Carisbrooke whose mother moved the family to The Oast House between 1902 and 1911 after his death.

But St Mark’s would like to find out where Kitty trained in art and whether she painted any other pictures.

Nick continued: “All and any information will help in our bid to save this unique piece of local history.

“I am a restorer of 35 years’ experience working locally and in London. This work is no run-of-the-mill amateur work.

“It is simply rendered but well drawn, perfectly set in its patterned surround and a huge undertaking for one very talented woman.”

Anyone with information is asked to email Nick at [email protected] or call 07954693191.