Waverley Borough Council is delighted to confirm that its Willmer House conservation and repair works project is being supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. It is being given £230,310 to assist in the delivery of the £1.2 million pound programme of essential conservation and repair works to the principal façade of the historic building.
The funding is in addition to the £734,335 Museum Estate and Development grant, which has been secured through Arts Council England.
The works will address urgent external building repairs on the principal façade, and provide a long-term sustainable conservation that requires minimal intervention in future years, using traditional materials and techniques which closely match the original building fabric.
These will include rebuilding the parapet wall, replacing the existing brick cornice, rebuilding the second-floor window brick arches, repairing and decorating the original timber sash windows and main entrance doorway as well as restoring Portland stone windowsills and doorstep and a clean of the entire façade, amongst others.
Work is expected to start in the late summer although much of the brickwork will initially happen off site and is expected to finish by the end of next year. The museum will remain open to the public throughout the construction period.
Councillor Kika Mirylees, Waverley Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Leisure and EDI, said: “We are delighted to receive this further funding for what is such an important historical building in Farnham. The funding will allow much needed essential repairs to take place but also ensure the long-term conservation of this wonderful building and we are extremely grateful to the Heritage Fund for assisting us in this important project.”
Waverley Borough Council will also be working in partnership with Farnham Maltings to connect with and involve the community throughout the restoration period with a year-long programme of community engagement activities delivered by the Museum team and the specialist conservators. These will include a Free Family Day, local school workshops, health and wellbeing projects, a 'men in sheds' restoration project and a Community Conservation Day which will demonstrate the repair techniques used in the project. There is also expected to be a rolling exhibition and tours for heritage professionals.
Peter Glanville, CEO of Farnham Maltings, added:
“We are extremely grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for this funding which will enable Willmer House to continue to serve the people of Farnham for years to come. Throughout the project, we look forward to welcoming the local community to learn more about the intricate restoration work taking place, and discover the wonderful local stories held within the museum.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We are delighted to support Waverley Borough Council in fulfilling their ambitions to repair and restore the principal façade of the Museum of Farnham. Thanks to National Lottery players, this rare example of gauged brickwork will be saved for future generations. Furthermore, our funding will ensure activities and workshops for local communities and schools can be implemented so that as many people as possible can discover and experience the history and contemporary relevance of the museum.”