September 2007 - Tour of Orkney and the North
Orkney - The Italian Chapel
One of the few positives to come out of WWII, this little gem was constructed by Italian POWs between 1943 and 1945. Sent to Orkney to work on the Churchill Barriers, these young Italians demonstrated a willingness to work and learn, which didn't go un-noticed by the camp's commanding officer, Major T P Buckland. At the request of the prisoners' chaplain, Father Gioachino Giacobazzi, he granted permission for two Nissen huts to be used as a chapel and a school. One of the prisoners, Domenico Chiocchetti, wasted no time in getting to work, and much of the interior design is his, assisted in its completion by fellow prisoners the electricians Primavera and Micheloni, Bruttapasta who was known for his work in cement, and Palumbo, a blacksmith. To find out more about this remarkable building and its very moving and human story, visit the official site. (Link will open in a new window).
The choir returned to the chapel on this tour and recorded several items for the BBC to be broadcast at a later date.
Click on an image to enlarge - please note copyright applies. Pictures by Les Hill and Stephen McIlveney.
Two Nissen huts stuck together!
The Sanctuary, with a Rood screen made of Billy Cans!
Painted ceilings - no sculpture here!
Simple beauty.
