Back in early 2018, a message went around asking if any Volunteers would be interested in forming a group. This group would be involved in the upcoming, major 2-year project about to start at the Palace. The lottery funding grant had been approved and the specialist teams had all been chosen by the Palace. Now it was just a case of doing the work! So the Conservation in Action team was formed.
A shroud on the Palace
The scaffolding up in the Courtyard.
The first thing on the Agenda - call ourselves the C.I.A. Every team needs a nickname! Our first mission was to meet with the Learning and Engagement Manager, Nia McIntosh (code name ‘M’, our leader), to formally introduce ourselves and set out our Mission statement. This was the first of many meetings, which also lead to many training sessions, which we needed as probably none of us, (I know I didn't) had a clue about bricks. But, by the end of the next few weeks training, we were Brick, and all things Conservation, Construction, Hard Hat wearing Experts.
We studied the design plan and conservation documents, which were fascinating - and vast! From pages of pictures and detailed information covering many subjects, including forensic procedures, historic paint analysis spanning hundreds of years, brick surveys, detailed blueprints … we looked at it all.
And we visited the brick plant where our wonderful new Tudor bricks were being made, in the same way the actual Tudor bricks were made!
But we had little time, as our leader (M) had set the first Hard Hat tour to begin very soon. The message went out!
Volunteers' Hard Hat Tour, March 15th 2018, 3:00 PM
You may have noticed that the capital works of the Palace's Restoration Project, centred on the Tudor Quadrangle, are now underway! Volunteers are being given the opportunity to participate in one of the first Hard Hat Tours in the recently exposed spaces in the north and west ranges of the courtyard. This is a very early opportunity to view the fascinating interior spaces where construction will be taking place. It is the first time that some of these areas have been visible for many years. You will be guided through the interesting historical discoveries that have come to light and you will get a fuller understanding of the future developments and long term vision for the Quadrangle. The highly-skilled restoration of the brickwork will also be explored.
Please wear appropriate clothing and suitable footwear. The tour is free but you will need to reserve your place by emailing rachel.bray@fulhampalace.org.
And so it began, the very first tour, (those of you who know me will know that I love a bit of dressing up, so donning my first Hard Hat, strong boots and bright yellow jacket was amazing fun). The tours continued throughout the 2 years, parts of the Palace resembled a building site, and we soon became used to seeing workmen amongst us. Many of whom became friends, giving the C.I.A team so much help, not only with their knowledge but their helping hand with lifting bricks.
Steve Bevan
We had lots of help from Steve Bevan, the site manager. He joined us on many of our tours and was a font of knowledge when it came to more technical questions. (He also became famous for seeing a Ghost - check his video out on Youtube). I was sad when the project ended in a way because we had to say goodbye to Steve and his team.
Videos were made, including a visit from the Heritage Lottery. Some of us became famous. My right arm for one was filmed but the fame has not gone to its head!
‘Sponsor a Brick’ and ‘Brick Fests’ were held with some colourful visitors attending, the Chelsea Pensioners for example. The Duchess of Cornwall, Patron of Fulham Palace, also attended the Grand Opening.
The Duchess of Cornwall at the Palace
Day 3 of the Brick Fest
Lots of hard work had been done by everyone, during one of the worst winters, thanks to the Beast from the East, but the results of the two-year project are amazing! We now have a brand new Museum, newly restored brickwork, new pathways and much more. How far we've come and how much more we have to do. It was, and still is, very exciting!
This piece was kindly written by Lee Copeland.