The Restoration Fund

The Raynham Restoration account covers the repairs and refurbishment of pictures, furniture, wall hangings and antique light fittings. Some examples are listed, by no means everything is covered but it is a fair indication of how the fund is to be used. It is for the enhancement of this great house rather than the plumbing.

£1000 – Two Dutch style brass chandeliers were also discovered which will hang in the new kitchen when that work is undertaken in the former Billiard Room. All 10 of the cut glass shades were found intact in the basement

£400 each – Two gilded frames need antique mirror glass before rehanging.

£11,000 – The discovery of a portrait of Sir Roger Townshend, the gentleman architect and builder of Raynham Hall last year was an exciting moment. He had not been identified and was simply listed as “Man with ruff on panel”. Extensive comparison with other family portraits and initial historical research indicates the probability. The panel is split, more paint is in danger of flaking off and he is currently rather disfigured by holding tape down his nose.

£30,000 – Restoration of 3 pictures depicting the children of Charles I: a very important group including 2 portraits of Princesses Elizabeth and Henrietta which, if proved, will be unique. The restoration figure includes a substantial amount for extensive historical research and authentication.

 

£25,000 – Restoration of upholstered red damask to the walls of the Red Saloon.

  • £40,000 – Cleaning of C16th and C17th paintings in the Music Room

Completed projects

  • Extensive and ongoing restoration of an Aubusson rug in the Belisarius room – The Persian Carpet Studio – 2012
  • Restoration of two mirrored sconces in the Red Saloon – Norfolk Decorative Antiques – 2013
  • Restoration of gilded ornate frame and installation of antiqued mirrored glass – Norfolk Decorative Antiques & Alasdair Gregorie – 2013
  • Installation of antiqued mirrored glass in the State Dining Room – Alasdair Gregorie – 2013
  • Diagnostic X-Ray of panel painting of Sir Roger Townshend for eventual cleaning and repair 2015
  • Historic dining chair repair – Alasdair Gregorie – 2013
  • Picture frames repaired and stabilised – Norfolk Decorative Antiques/Alasdair Gregorie – 2012/13
  • Four Edwardian crystal waterfall hanging lights restored and rehung in the Saloon, Morning Room and Music Room – Norfolk Decorative Antiques & Peter Bircham – 2014
  • Restoration of plasterwork and newly discovered panelling in the 2nd floor Lake Bedroom – Corinthian Plastercraft, Aylwin Eke & Son, Richard Sidell & in-house team – 2014
  • Reupholstery and repair of suite of painted chairs in Music Room – Margaret Sheridan – 2013
  • Cleaning of 1950’s overpaint on a pair of Royal portraits presented to the 1st Viscount Horatio Townshend by Charles II.  One portrait cleaned and partial restoration accomplished. Work to be continued when funds are available with the other portrait as yet untouched.  Newly identified as being the work of Cornelius Johnson. 2016-2017 – Kiffy Stainer-Hutchins & Co
  • Repair, repainting and re-upholstery of 10 French C18th chairs and 2 sofas  – Margaret Sheridan – 2017
  • Repair and replacement of rotten parts of the south west facing C17th oriel windows – Richard Sidell 2017-2018
  • Repair of Meissen candelabrum – Mel Jones, Foulsham – 2018
  • Music Room:  Restoration after a roof leak of the decoration in the Music Room; preserving and restoring the only original unrepainted 1727 cornice colour scheme devised by Sir Andrew Fountaine under the direction of William Kent for the 2nd Viscount Townshend.  Painting and gilding of shutters and doors, walls upholstered in faded gold damask. – Margaret Sheridan, Ecclesiastical Insurance, and Messenger Building Services Ltd 2018
  • Replacement, after storm damage, of 52 original glass panes in the sash windows and oriel windows using reproduction antiqued glass – Richard Sidell 2018