Manor house project wins conservation award

A "truly exemplary" three-year project which restored parts of a historic manor has received an award.

The £800,000 Big MEND project at Wightwick Manor and Gardens in Wolverhampton, has been recognised by the Victorian Society.

The society's Birmingham and West Midlands group said its annual Conservation Award had been won by the National Trust, which owns the Grade I listed manor.

The preservation charity praised the "quality of the craftsmanship" used to address "urgent issues" in the building's timber frame, plasterwork and exterior.

It said builders Messenger BCR and architects Tim Ratcliffe Associates worked with the National Trust team using traditional skills and materials matching the original design and construction.

The project was supported by funding from Arts Council England's Museums and Estate Development Fund (MEND).

"The judging panel was unanimous in its decision, reflecting the exceptionally high regard in which this project was held," said Stephen Hartland, regional chairman of the society's West Midlands Group.

"From the outset, it was clear that the work demonstrated an outstanding commitment to conservation principles, underpinned by a deep understanding of the building's history and significance.

"The quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout set this project apart as truly exemplary."

The winner was announced at a ceremony earlier on Saturday and will receive a certificate and bronze disc later.

Before the project, several areas of the manor in Wightwick Bank, were showing the effects of age, and parts of the timber frame and external plaster had begun to fail, the society said.

The Conservation Award, sponsored by Hortons' Estate Limited, recognises an outstanding renovation or conservation on a building dating from between 1837 and 1914.

Wightwick Manor was built in 1887, and extended in 1893. It was designed by Midlands architect Edward Ould for Theodore and Flora Mander.

The Manders were inspired by Oscar Wilde's lecture on The House Beautiful, explained the Victorian Society, "so the interiors reflect the author, playwright and aesthete's adherence to the principles of the aesthetic movement and the belief in 'art for art's sake'."

Ian Bird, regional director of Messenger, said the conservation contractors had been "honoured" to work on all three chapters of the "truly memorable project".

Project manager Rachael Parry added that it had been a "truly collaborative and rewarding project" involving many people.

She said: "Most importantly, this project has enabled us to share the importance of the responsibility we all have to care for its historic fabric for generations to come."

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