We would like open a special new room. It would be full of fascinating objects that we can't show at the moment because we have no space. Imagine a room full of items from our past Tudor times up to the present day that have been donated - perhaps by you and your family. The Hall will reflect your history too. We'll show off some amazing things like swords, arrow tips and letters from St James' Palace including a very rare booklet relating to The Wythenshawe Factory of Thomas French & Sons Limited.
We already have a number of items from people who worked at the Hall and our collection is constantly expanding. The displays will change over time, reflect topical themes.So we need display cases too show them off.
The cases themselves will be hand made by our skilled craftsman Austin Neves who made our Tudor Crib.
They will be regularly updated in line with various themes and also show projects that our local schools have completed on visits to the Hall.
What we'll deliver:
- Create an exhibition room within Wythenshawe Hall using a handmade display case for items in storage
Why it's a great idea:
People love the Hall and its long history. Did you know that there was a civil war story that was really interesting?
As the Hall was virtually empty when the Friends group took it over in 2010, we have worked tirelessly to raise funds to enable us to buy pieces of reproduction furniture. Over time we'll raise money to decorate and furnish more rooms but we're starting with display cases.
We are at the start of a some very exciting and rewarding projects that will create special memories for present and future generations. We'd love you to join us.
Steps to get it done:
- Austin Neves our skilled craftsman will design and produce two display cases
- We will also approach companies within Greater Manchester to show their support by pledging
There's lot's happening and we'd love your help. We are restoring the Chapel Bedroom & have a beautiful hand carved four poster bed & we have now completed the soft furnishings. We have made a large number of Tudor outfits for our volunteers to wear on open days and also displayed on mannequins.
We also had a successful crowdfunding exercise back in 2014 that secured £600 for a crib to complement the hand carved four poster bed in the Chapel Bedroom.
Austin has an obvious love and respect for the oak he works with, & this is apparent in the beautiful, bespoke, hand carved pieces he produces. The furniture resonates with the knowledge and feel he has for the oak, & coupled with his design talents, results in the creation of pieces that seem to glow with a life & warmth of their own. His talents have been recognised by many others & have resulted in him being asked to produce work for Bramall Hall, and Staircase House in Stockport, and Paul Smith's London showroom amongst many others.
