The renovation of Bradford’s distinctive Eastbrook Hall is nearing completion following a lengthy project to lovingly restore the magnificent stained glass window.
The window, situated at the Leeds Road main entrance of the former Methodist chapel and much loved Bradford landmark, is being carefully restored by Shona Mcinnes of Leadline Studio in Halifax. The hall, with its strikingly flamboyant Edwardian façade is being developed into commercial units totalling approximately 10,000 sq ft, and 73 apartments, as part of a £12 million residential and mixed use project. The 4 metre high window, the focal point of which is a blue ‘E’ and ‘H’ which stands for Eastbrook Hall, forms an integral part of the building.
The window restoration is due for completion this month. Following the removal of scaffolding to the front of the building earlier this week, the magnificent restored façade can be seen for the first time. The main entrance screen is in manufacture and will be installed in August, seeing the full facade restored to its former glory.
Maud Marshall, Chief Executive of Bradford Centre Regeneration said, “Eastbrook Hall is the ‘public face’ of the Little Germany conservation area of Bradford. Part of its appeal is that it retains many of its historic features, which is why the restoration of the stained glass window is such a key feature, and will play a major part in making the hall a stunning and enviable place to live.”
Shona studied Stained Glass Art at the Glasgow School of Art in the 1980s. After working as a designer and college lecturer for two years she set up Leadline Studio and now specialises in architectural glass within public buildings.
Restoring the stained glass window is a painstaking process. Firstly rubbings of the original panel are made to record the position of the glass, then all the old glass is removed and anything worth keeping is cleaned. A master drawing is prepared and the old glass is placed back in its appropriate place. Tracing paper templates are taken from the master drawing, from which new glass is cut, then all the glass is joined together with individual sections of lead.
Shona said, “I have been working on the Eastbrook Hall window for several weeks, spending up to 40 hours per week, and feel privileged to be involved in the restoration of such a stunning building. The hall is an important part of Bradford’s heritage and a significant building in the regeneration of the city, which, as a resident of Yorkshire, I am proud to a part of. I am looking forward to seeing the beautiful window back where it belongs.”
Funding for the project is being provided through an innovative public-private sector funding agreement. Under the agreement English Partnerships, the national regeneration agency, Bradford Centre Regeneration, Bradford Metropolitan District Council, Yorkshire Forward and Regen 2000 SRB Partnership, are all helping to finance the scheme. The Prince’s Regeneration Trust also supports the scheme and has been closely involved since conception.