Well-dressing raises funds for the Abbey . A team of men from Tideswell , Derbyshire , have assisted the Westminster Abbey appeal for funds by erecting a well-dressing in Deans Yard . Well-dressing , a centuries old religious custom , is the art of building a picture in a half-inch layer of clay , the life of which is about a week. Photo shows ; At the erection of the well-dressing this morning a service was conducted by Dr Adam Fox, Archdeacon of the Abbey Treasurer of the Appeal Fund, aseen at the extreme left, with the choir. 24 August 1953