The Tree of Jesse

[RJEyoung]

I was under the impression that the barricade about the column of The Tree of Jesse (Portico of Glory at the Cathedral) is in place as a means of protecting the delicate stone cutting and especially to prevent pilgrims from placing hands in the "hand print" as it might compromise the future of the structure. However, a pilgrim who recently took a photo of his hand in the "print" informed me that it was only a temporary feature and that when the restoration of the Portico is completed, the barricade would be removed. Would some one tell the real story, the future of the barricade. Will it remain or will it come down?

I indicated that pilgrims should nevertheless respect the barricade and other signs about the Cathedral, no matter what they might "think" about the message.

 

[Kanga]

When we did a tour of the cathedral just recently we were told it would be uncovered when the restoration work was finished. I seem to remember a story that for a time after it was barricaded some tour groups were still getting access - for a fee.