The golden dragon weather vane on top of St James’ Church in Bermondsey will be on show to the public for the first time in almost a century this weekend.
The eight-foot creature, which has been brought down to be repaired and regilded, is on display in the church in Thurland Road from tomorrow.
The public will be able to view the weather vane from 11am to 1pm Saturday, 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday, and 10am to 2pm Tuesday, before it returns to its rightful place at the end of next week.
It is believed it is the first time it has been on show to the public since June 1925, according to Gary Jenkins, vicar of both St James’ and nearby St Anne’s.
Repairs are also being carried out on the stonework of the tower and portico of the church and the clock face and bell are being repainted.
The repair work is being funded by a £232,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant, together with £57,000 from the Parochial Church Council of St James.