Since Stockport Council-owned Bramall Hall closed its doors for restoration in September there has been much activity to prepare for the start of the physical works.
This follows a grant of £1.6 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Furniture and fixtures have been moved so that they will be protected and safe. Some delicate objects have gone to conservators who will repair and restore them before they are returned to the Hall.
Filming and photography is taking place in rooms for the ‘before’ shots which will be used as part of the new visitor experience when the Hall re-opens.
This is in addition to clearing attics, the on-site shop and office spaces.
Stockport Council is delighted that work has begun on a delicate project to stabilise and repair the ornate Venetian ceiling in the Withdrawing Room. This involves removing cracked modern paint, conserving plasterwork and re-decorating the ceiling in authentic colours based on historic paint analysis.
Stockport Council has appointed Hirst Conservation as the specialist contractors to undertake this work. They specialise in historic decorative surfaces and restoration of plasterwork with traditional methods. Their expert team have successfully delivered schemes within many high profile historic buildings including the Houses of Parliament and Historic Royal Palaces.
Cllr. Patrick McAuley, Stockport Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development & Regeneration, said: “Bramall Hall is one of the jewels in the Stockport crown and a significant regional attraction. The Withdrawing Room is at its very heart and restoration is crucial to the Council’s regeneration strategy. The work being done on the ceiling will help to preserve Bramall Hall as a legacy for future generations of Stockport residents and visitors alike.”
The remainder of the physical works will begin shortly once the main contractor is appointed. This includes the creation of two new themed-rooms, a Butler’s Pantry and a Victorian Breakfast Room, restoration of historic glazing, the installation of a platform lift to improve access between levels and the re-development of the Stable Block to provide better facilities for visitors and school such as new education rooms, a free orientation space, a re-located shop and a modern café suitable for such a prestigious venue.
