CONSTRUCTION OF BUILT HERITAGE: A North European Perspective on Policies, Practices and Outcomes by G. J. Ashworth

Author:G. J. Ashworth [Ashworth, G. J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781138730816
Google: 8_zfuQEACAAJ
Goodreads: 42991805
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
Published: 2019-11-11T07:43:01+00:00

Conclusion

Despite decades of destruction, England still has a wealth of country houses. Most of these are now protected by the listing system designed to identify and protect architectural excellence. However, this system has created problems for the future of the buildings, as it becomes increasingly difficult to find uses that will produce the revenue needed for maintenance. Wollaton Hall demonstrates a particular problem brought about by the circumstances of the period in which it changes hands. Had the Willoughby family been forced to give it up sooner, it may well have been demolished. Had they held on for another couple of decades, it is likely the Hall would now be held by the National Trust. However, the sale in the 1920s transferred the property into the hands of a local authority that had neither the interest nor the resources to maintain it as a house. The Hall has survived, but as a shell for a museum collection. Although attitudes within the Authority are now very different to the time it was acquired, the current museum use of the Hall is creating a substantial block to any alternative future.

An important question concerns the conservation priorities. If the purpose of conservation is to retain the building, then with some additional funding to improve maintenance the existing use could be allowed to continue. Although the Hall is not ideal as a natural history museum, it does at least provide space. A major factor that mitigates against any substantial change is the loss of the interior contemporary with the exterior. With neither Tudor fittings nor furnishings it would be a vain hope to return the Hall to its earliest glory. Even if this were possible, there is no evidence that sufficient visitors could be attracted by the presentation of house and family to support it as a commercial visitor attraction. Although National Trust properties within the region attract significant numbers, they are only open for half the year and rely heavily on volunteer staff. Nottingham does not attract large numbers of tourists, so the audience needs to be drawn from the local population, requiring an attraction that will support repeat visiting. One alternative would be to continue museum use, but to change the collection to one that does not need the careful control of environment required for natural history. Ceramics and decorative arts would tolerate more light, allowing the opening of windows to restore some of the style of the interior. However, any such use would not generate a significant increase in the visiting public. More visitors could be attracted to the house if its rooms were cleared and used for activities – educational workshops, concerts and temporary exhibitions as suggested in both recent reviews. However, the building is not suitable for large events as the access is poor and there are many steps. The greatest opportunity for income generation lies in the current visitors to the park, if appropriate services could be provided more effectively. However, any radical change in use would require a substantial input of resources, unlikely unless a lottery bid is successful.

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