Issue 41 Spring web - Flipbook - Page 48
Tapestry. Under the guidance of the Head Broderer of
Durham Cathedral, this will consist of up to 100 separate
stitched and embroidered panels, designed by our Curator
Emeritus and one of our original founding Trustees, David
Heatherington, each illustrating an aspect of the history
of Methodism, both in northern England and worldwide.
Some 30 of these have already been completed, and all
the stitchers are - again - volunteers. The completed
tapestry will form a permanent display in the Heritage
Centre , and possibly travelling exhibitions, and, we hope,
prove a major draw to the Centre similarly to the well
known Quaker Tapestry in Kendal.
The organ has been dismantled and is currently being
stored pending restoration and repair, and re-installation,
by Harrison and Harrison, world renowned organ builders
based in the county. It was originally installed in a theatre
in Sunderland, the scene of an infamous tragedy in which
some 300 children died as they were unable to get out of
the building during a fire because the doors opened
inwards. (It was this incident which gave rise to the
requirement that all doors to public buildings should open
outwards.) The organ was later dismantled and installed
in High House Chapel, so of itself makes a significant
contribution to local history. Once restored and reinstated
it will be, we are assured, a major attraction to a growing
list of accomplished organists eager to play it and
audiences wishing to hear it.
Above, Weardale Museum kitchen
Once up and running, the Centre will provide up to seven
full-time equivalent jobs and by attracting increased
visitor numbers will contribute significantly to the
economic life of the upper Dale. All our contractors and
professional advisers are located in the local area or the
wider county.
In the midst of Covid-19 works were undertaken on the
adjoining A689 road to correct drainage faults from which
water flowed directly into the foundations of the property.
With the cause eliminated, to date we have raised some
£400,000 pounds, the majority of which has been spent
on addressing “Critical - at Risk of Collapse” works which
have included the stripping out the interior of the Chapel
to reveal and remedy the extensive damp related damage,
to replace the rotted lintels to twelve windows, carry
out necessary repairs to “stitch” closed some large cracks
in the stone walls, and lift the floor to discover what
problems lay underneath.
Above, High House chapel
All in all, I hope readers will agree we have a truly
ambitious and exciting plan, which will culminate in an
important and vibrant cultural and community centre,
preserving a building of national and international
importance and bringing Weardale to greater attention.
Do come and visit us. More information can be found at
www.weardalemuseum.org.uk or via Twitter account
@weardalemuseum or our two Facebook pages
“Weardale Museum” and “Methodist Tapestries”.
While the floor has been up we have taken the
opportunity to commission an archaeological survey by a
respected team in the region. Their findings will eventually form part of our history of the building. For the time
being the chapel remains closed while we await the
outcome of some major further funding applications,
hopefully in 2024, which will enable completion of both
restoration and adaptation. The Museum (in the Manse)
remains open for business as usual and our “Heritage On
Tour” exhibitions in Weardale village halls and churches
continue.
i
Author
Phillippa Rowe
Chair of Trustees, Weardale Museum and Heritage
Centre,
i
Conservation & Heritage Journal
46
