Tyntesfield
The orangery restoration
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A building of significance
A building of significance
Once the ornamental centrepiece of the walled kitchen garden, the orangery was built in 1897 in the classical style, making it a startling contrast to the Gothic style found elsewhere. Sadly, years of neglect had caused the building to fall into serious disrepair, and it lay abandoned for at least 20 years.
© Andrew Butler
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Heritage at risk
Heritage at risk
During the years when the orangery was left abondoned vegetation and water penetrated the its structure, and large amounts of decorative stonework had crumbled and fallen away. So grave was the deterioration, the orangery was placed on the English Heritage Buildings at Risk Register within the highest priority.
© Andrew Butler
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Award winner
Award winner
The restoration of our orangery in partnership with City of Bath College and Nimbus Conservation Ltd was voted the people's favourite in the 2011 English Heritage Angel Awards. The awards recognise the best rescues of significant buildings that were at risk of being lost forever.
© English Heritage
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Bringing the orangery back to life
Bringing the orangery back to life
Thanks to over 85 individual donors and charitable trusts, we were able to raise over £250,000. These generous contributions meant it was possible for the work to begin to restore and conserve the orangery.
© NT/Tyntesfield
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Learning on the job
Learning on the job
Students from City of Bath College have been busy working on the transformation of the orangery. During term time the students are part of a unique three year project that provides onsite training delivered by specialist contractors, Nimbus Conservation Ltd.
© NT/Kate Gunthorpe
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Bringing the orangery back to life
Bringing the orangery back to life
Once restored, the orangery will again be a fitting focal point within the kitchen garden - a tranquil place where you can rest for a moment and enjoy the fragrance of citrus blossom. It will be a delightful space for entertaining, and might one day host weddings and civil ceremonies.
© David Levenson
A building of significance
Heritage at risk
Award winner
Bringing the orangery back to life
Learning on the job
Bringing the orangery back to lifeSaving the Orangery
A short documentary about the repair and conservation of our Orangery, featuring interviews with National Trust staff, the team from Nimbus Conservation Ltd and the students and tutors from City of Bath College who are working together on the project.
This film was created by Creative & Media diploma students from Backwell School over two weeks in June 2011.
Work begins...
In September 2010 Nimbus Conservation stone masons and conservators began work on the orangery with 10 students from the Architectural Stone Conservation course at the City of Bath College. They started to restore and conserve the high-level stonework, the roof, windows, doors and the grand west façade of the orangery.
A unique experience
Nimbus is teaching the students additional skills in stone masonry and stone conservation, bridging the current gap between these two disciplines. As well as carrying out the much needed repairs to the Grade II* listed building, the students will develop business skills and experience to help advance their careers.
Something special
Scheduled to take three years, with each year supported by a new intake of students, this is the first time we've embarked on such a long-term partnership with a college and contractor, and a funding body. Already a success, the project will be used as model for future partnerships across the National Trust.
A big thank you
The students' placements are generously funded by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Commercial Education Trust, while over 85 individual donors and charitable trusts have made it possible for the work to start.
Workshops
The team at Nimbus Conservation Ltd will be running three workshop days between March anad May for individuals to find out more about stone conservation and masonry. with the chance to carve something to take home.
Learn more
Everyone can experience the work in action by joining one of our special orangery events, which include an introduction to stone masonry and conservation day courses, tours and open days.
Find out more about sessions available for schools and groups
