Residents and heritage enthusiasts came together at Farnham Maltings on Monday 14 September to hear more about the history, significance and conservation-led restoration of Willmer House, home of the Museum of Farnham.
260 people attended Another Brick in the Wall: Restoring Willmer House, an evening of expert discussion, historic images and fascinating insights into one of Farnham’s most treasured heritage buildings.
The free event was hosted by Waverley Borough Council and The Farnham Society as part of the Every Brick Counts campaign, which is helping to raise support for the conservation-led restoration of Willmer House.
The expert panel included conservation consultant Graham Abrey, historic brick conservator Emma Simpson MBE, and local historian and author Dr Roy Waight.
During the evening, guests heard about the architectural significance of Willmer House, what conservation-led restoration involves in practice and some of the lesser-known stories from the building’s past. Historic photographs, architectural images and illustrations helped bring the story of the Grade I listed building and its conservation to life.
Councillor Kika Mirylees, Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Leisure and EDI, said:
“It was wonderful to see so many people come together to share their interest in Willmer House and its future. The evening really demonstrated just how much history is contained within this remarkable building and why conserving it for future generations is so important.
“I'd like to thank our expert speakers, The Farnham Society and everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a success. Through the Every Brick Counts campaign, there is still an opportunity for everyone to play a part in protecting this special piece of Farnham's heritage.”
Richard Hunt CBE, Chair of The Farnham Society, added:
“We were delighted to see so many people attending the ‘another brick in the wall event’. Not only did this show the real interest that exists in understanding the incredible challenges involved in restoration of amazing buildings such as we have in Farnham but it served as a real showcase for the talents of the people who undertake this work. As someone said to me ‘I never thought bricks could be so interesting’. Indeed! We are lucky to have this varied and noteworthy heritage in Farnham. We must do what we can during our time to pass it on to future generations. Monday evening demonstrated both the interest to do so and the challenge.”
Willmer House is a Grade I listed Georgian townhouse and is particularly noted for its brickwork. The restoration project aims to safeguard its historic character while ensuring the building can continue to serve the community as the home of the Museum of Farnham for years to come.
The event formed part of the Every Brick Counts campaign, through which residents and supporters can play their part in the future of the historic building by sponsoring a brick.
To find out more about the Every Brick Counts campaign and support the restoration of Willmer House, visit www.waverley.gov.uk/BuyABrick.
Image, from l to r: Roy Waight – local historian/Farnham and District Museum Society, Richard Hunt – Chair of The Farnham Society, Peter Glanville – CEO Farnham Maltings, Emma Simpson – Specialist brick conservator, Graham Abrey – Conservation Consultant
Article image: Five people standing together on a stage in front of a promotional banner