Case study: Tyntesfield Iron Glasshouse
Having worked on the main house's guttering and windows we were asked to look at the glazed ironwork structures in the kitchen gardens.
We have been working on this Grade 1 listed National Trust property for many years. Projects have included removal, restoration painting and refitting of historic guttering and downpipes, and repairs to the unique cast iron glass houses in the kitchen gardens, and wrought iron potting shed windows.
Tyntesfield House: Gothic Revival Architecture
William Gibbs, who build his fortune on fertiliser, created this fine example of a Gothic revival Victorian country home. Gibbs bought Tyntes Place estate in 1843, at the time featuring a simple regency style house. John Gregory Crace was commissioned to undertake the architectural works in 1854. Mouldings, panelling, glazing and chimney pieces were all to be remodelled in the Gothic style.
The complete makeover didn’t come about until 1863 when another architect, John Norton, was contracted into completely remodel the whole estate adding two new wings, towers and an extra floor. As a result, turrets, pinnacles, ornate carvings and beautiful ecclesiastical style windows all add to the fairy tale charm of this mansion.
Other notable additions included glass by James Powell & Sons and iron work by Hart, Son, Peard and co. an architectural metalwork firm distinguished for their gothic church works, who constructed a huge ironwork conservatory to the rear.
In today’s money, the total cost of Gibbs development (which housed 23 main bedrooms and a further 24 for servant’s quarters) would have been almost £6 million.
Image courtesy of Flickr
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