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Restoration Revealed: Betley Court Opens Doors for Exclusive Tours
In a remarkable showcase of resilience and heritage preservation, Betley Court, a gem in the heart of the borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme dating back to 1716, is set to open its doors for restoration tours on the weekend of 24-25th February 2024.
The Georgian country house, which suffered a devastating blow when a fire ravaged through its historic structure in August 2019, leaving 19 residents homeless and destroying 13 tenanted flats, is now in the spotlight for a more hopeful reason.
Owners, the Brown family, who have stewarded Betley Court since 1977, are extending an invitation to the public to witness the monumental efforts taken to breathe new life into this Grade 2* listed building. With the guidance of conservation architect Mark Evans and the expertise of Midland Conservation Ltd, the restoration has seen the fitting of 99 new and restored doors and windows, and a meticulously crafted roof adorned with over 25,000 Ffestiniog blue and Vermont green slate tiles.
The tour promises an inside look at the ‘external envelope’ completion, offering guests a unique opportunity to ascend to the attic rooms and admire the new roof's craftsmanship from within. Dr Nigel Brown and Su Hurrell, the custodians of this architectural treasure, will personally conduct the tours, providing insights into the ongoing restoration efforts and answering any questions visitors may have.
DID YOU KNOW? Betley Court is a grade two star listed historic house situated in the Staffordshire village of Betley. Once the seat of the local Squire, it became a hospital briefly during World War Two, and during the early days of the NHS was an orthopaedic rehabilitation centre. It was left derelict until the late Professor Brown (Emeritus Professor of Education at Keele University) and his wife Dr Freda Brown bought it in 1977, and restored it as a home for their family, and as 13 flats for tenants.
Highlights during the tour of Betley Court will include a glimpse into some of the main house's yet-to-be-restored rooms, a view of the meticulously restored horizontal chimney—a feature that has intrigued architectural historians—and the robust steel frame supporting the new roof structure.
Tickets are available at £10 per person plus a booking fee, with further details accessible on Betley Court Garden’s website. This event not only offers a rare peek into the intricate process of restoring a historic building but also celebrates the owner’s spirit and dedication to preserving its cultural heritage.
TICKETS: www.betleycourtgardens.co.uk/events
UK's Street Art to Shine in New Digital Archive Initiative by Stoke Based Charity
Art UK, the leading national art education charity based in Stoke-on-Trent, has launched an ambitious project to digitise 5,000 of the nation's murals and street art, bringing the vibrancy of the UK's public art into the digital realm.
The initiative, backed by a £250,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, along with support from the Pilgrim Trust and Historic England, aims to preserve the diverse and dynamic world of street art across the UK.
The project seeks to highlight the significant role street art plays in community identity, celebrating the array of artists behind these public works. By creating a free-to-access database, Art UK will ensure that these outdoor artworks, often vulnerable to damage or loss, have a lasting record.
Katey Goodwin, Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Community Engagement at Art UK, emphasised the importance of documenting the nation's murals.
Katey said: “We are thrilled to announce our vital new project to record and photograph the nation’s diverse and exciting murals. From shopping centres and railway stations to churches and museums, we will celebrate the thousands of painted and sculptural murals in our communities. Many of these are at risk of decay or demolition, so the work of our staff and volunteers will ensure that a permanent record is created.”
The initiative will not only capture painted murals but also include sculptural works, enriching the national collection with a wide variety of public art forms. It excludes unsanctioned graffiti, focusing instead on art that seeks to engage and beautify communities.
Complementing the digital archiving, a series of community and educational activities are planned, aiming to deepen public engagement with street art. These include artist-led workshops and resources for schools, ensuring the project's benefits extend beyond the digital preservation.
Robyn Llewellyn of The National Lottery Heritage Fund lauded the effort, highlighting how murals narrate the stories of communities and heritage in unique ways, now safeguarded for future generations through National Lottery players' support.
This digital endeavor marks Art UK's third major digitisation project, following the successful documentation of the nation's sculptures and oil paintings, furthering its mission to democratise access to the UK's public art collections.
North Staffs News - in brief
Celebrating Women in Science and Creativity
Keele University and Appetite are set to host an engaging event at Newcastle Common on 11 February, celebrating the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
The event promises a range of exciting activities from robotics to creative crafting, aimed at showcasing the fun and creative side of science. Open to all, it seeks to inspire a diverse audience with the wonders of science through hands-on activities and experiments.
Circus Magic Returns to Potteries
The New Vic and Upswing bring circus excitement to the Potteries Centre this February half-term.
Offering free workshops on 15 February for young enthusiasts aged 3-11, sessions include juggling, hula-hoop, and acro balance. Additionally, Circus Mash introduces aerial balance sessions on 16 February, while Upswing presents breathtaking aerial performances and workshops for those aged 8 and above on 17 February.
A special workshop for circus professionals is also scheduled.
All events are free, promising a thrilling half-term experience.
Staffordshire Embraces National Apprenticeship Week
Staffordshire celebrates National Apprenticeship Week (5-11 February) under the theme 'Skills for Life', aiming to highlight the benefits of apprenticeships.
The county sees apprenticeships as key to economic growth, with over 6,300 new apprenticeships started last year.
Staffordshire County Council, supporting over 200 apprentices in various sectors, also launched a Jobs and Careers service to aid residents and businesses.
The week promotes the value of apprenticeships in offering career and learning progression, spotlighting the success of individuals and the broader economic benefits.
Website: Staffordshire County Council
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