Press release

A press statement was released on Wednesday 20th May, 2015

PRESS RELEASE

Embargoed until 10.00am on Wednesday 20^th May, 2015

RARE HISTORIC GREENHOUSE TO BE SAVED

A project to save an endangered early 19^th Century greenhouse and attached potting shed at Felton Park in Felton, Northumberland, has received funding from Historic England, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Country Houses Foundation and Northumberland County Council.

The grade II* listed greenhouse and potting shed have long been on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk register. The greenhouse is one of only 20 surviving curvilinear metal and glass structures in England and one of only two in the North East. Built in about 1830, it is considered to be a particularly early and complete example of the “hot house” format developed by John Claudius Loudon. Loudon was not only a famous garden designer but through his journalism created the modern mass interest in gardening.

The greenhouse and potting shed sit astride an 18^th Century garden wall at Felton Park, a site with a documented horticultural history. The project is the result of a series of specialist assessments and investigations, undertaken over an extended period. In addition to repairing the fabric, there will be greatly increased public access to this important site. Visits, talks and local research will place the building in the wider context of early Victorian gardening tastes and ambitions, both locally and nationally.

A team of contractors have been appointed to carry out the repair works which are due to be completed by the autumn.

For further information: www.feltonparkgreenhouse.org

Commenting on the award, Tim Maxwell, the owner of Felton Park, said: “I am delighted to have received such strong support from Britain’s leading heritage organisations. It is a mark of how important this building is. The restoration will not only allow greater access but enable the greenhouse to take its proper place in the gardening history of Northumberland.”

David Farrington, Historic England Heritage at Risk Surveyor in the North East, said: “After many years of uncertainty, the repair of one of the North East’s most longstanding Heritage at Risk cases is now within sight. The repair scheme at Felton will not only showcase specialist heritage craft skills but will also offer exciting insights into horticultural history and technology.”

The Trustees of the Country Houses Foundation said: “We were pleased to award a grant for the restoration of this tremendously important greenhouse in the North East, a structure that needs preserving for generations to come, and a project that we hope will inspire other owners and custodians of buildings at risk to build partnerships and seek support for the vulnerable and often overlooked parts of our architectural heritage.”

Sara Rushton, Conservation Team Manager and County Archaeologist, Northumberland County Council, said: “The Council is very pleased to have been able to contribute to this important project at the earlier feasibility stages, and we look forward to seeing the greenhouse restored and admired once again.”

Contacts:

Tim Maxwell: info@feltonparkgreenhouse.org; Tel: 01670 787776

Historic England Communications Team: communications@historcengland.co.uk

The Heritage Lottery Fund: NorthEastContact@hlf.org.uk

Country Houses Foundation: david@countryhousesfoundation.org.uk; Tel: 0845 402 4102

NCC: Carl Stiansen, Communications Officer: Tel: 01670 622414/622428

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About Historic England:

Previously known as English Heritage, Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England’s historic environment; providing expert advice, helping people protect and care for it, and helping the public to understand and enjoy it. www.historicengland.org.uk

About HLF:

From the archaeology under our feet to the historic parks and gardens we love, from precious memories and collections to rare wildlife, we use National Lottery players’ money to help people across the UK explore, enjoy and protect the heritage they care about. www.hlf.com

About CHF:

The Country Houses Foundation (CHF) is a charitable, grant-giving foundation which was set up in 2005 and provides funding for the repair and conservation of rural historical buildings in England and Wales, including where appropriate their gardens, grounds and outbuildings. www.countryhousesfoundation.org.uk.