Press Releases

Restoring the Tyntesfield estate – University of Reading

Release Date : 17 March 2004

Restoring the spectacular Victorian Gothic-Revival estate of Tyntesfield, near Bristol, presents an enormous and exciting challenge for the National Trust. Some £24 million pounds was raised last year to buy the unique estate, but that is just the beginning of the hard work ahead. John McVerry, as seen on a recent BBC documentary, is directing this vast and ambitious project. He will be speaking about the conservation work at a special lecture at the University of Reading at 7.30pm on Monday 29 March. It is anticipated that the restoration of Tyntesfield will take several years to complete, with 40,000 estate objects – from silk upholstered chairs to farm carts – being catalogued. Along with the house itself, the gardens also need improving, and facilities such as parking, rest areas and public transport links need to be put in place. However, significant progress has already been made, with 16 staff and 120 volunteers working on the estate at the end of 2003. Mr McVerry's lecture, taking place in the Palmer Building at the University's Whiteknights campus, was organised by the School of Continuing Education. Tickets (£7) to this event can be booked in advance at the School of Continuing Education's School Office using an enrolment form. Half the proceeds will be donated to the Save Tyntesfield Campaign. For an enrolment form and further details ring (0118) 378 8347. End For any media enquiries, please contact Craig Hillsley, Press Officer, University of Reading. Tel: 0118 378 7388 E-mail: c.hillsley@reading.ac.uk