The Museum of Farnham, housed in the Grade I listed Willmer House, is set to undergo a major restoration after Waverley Borough Council approved a £1.3 million repair project. This nationally important 18th-century building has fallen into disrepair in recent years, with issues ranging from decaying brickwork to collapsing windows threatening its future.

Community Effort to Preserve Local Heritage

Source: https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/surrey-news/surreys-most-important-building-1m-29883266

The council's decision comes after successful grant applications to the Arts Council and National Lottery, which will cover £985,000 of the costs. Waverley Borough Council has committed to bridging the £300,000 funding gap, while continuing to seek additional external funding. Local support is also evident, with Farnham Town Council and Farnham Museum Society each pledging £10,000 towards the project.

Waverley Borough Council Approves £1.3 Million Restoration Project

Waverley Borough Council has given the green light to a £1.3 million restoration project for the Museum of Farnham's historic home, Willmer House. The Grade I listed building, considered one of Surrey's most important structures, has fallen into significant disrepair in recent years. Issues plaguing the 18th-century townhouse include decaying brickwork, collapsing second floor windows, eroded mortar joints, and visible cracking throughout.

The council successfully secured £985,000 in grants from bodies including the Arts Council and National Lottery to cover the majority of the project costs. Waverley Borough Council has committed to bridging the £301,000 funding gap while continuing to seek additional external grants. Local support is also evident, with Farnham Town Council and Farnham Museum Society each pledging £10,000 towards the restoration efforts.

Extensive Repairs Planned for Nationally Important Building

Cllr Kika Mirylees, portfolio holder for Community Services and Leisure, emphasised that appointing contractors involved a "detailed and exhaustive" search with heritage experts to ensure the highest quality of service for "such a beautiful and nationally recognised building." The age and height of Willmer House present challenges, as not all parts of the upper floors and roofing could be fully assessed. To account for potential additional work, the council has ringfenced a further £237,000.

Cllr Liz Townsend, portfolio holder for Planning, highlighted the extent of the damage, noting "distorted brickwork in the building requiring a detailed brick by brick plan of action." She stressed the importance of securing the museum's future "so that it can continue to serve the community for many years to come."

Rich History and Cultural Significance

Willmer House was built in 1718, with the initials of its first owner, John Thorne, still visible on the drainpipe. Over the centuries, the building has served various purposes, including as a school and dental surgery. The Museum of Farnham was founded in 1961 and houses a dedicated collection showcasing the town and borough's history. Notable exhibits include a Bronze Age ring discovered in neighboring Cranleigh.

The museum's cultural importance extends beyond local boundaries. Cllr Merryweather, portfolio holder for finance, emphasised: "This building isn't just important to Farnham and to Waverley, it's a nationally important building." The restoration project aims to preserve this significant piece of architectural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Preserving a Cultural Treasure for Future Generations

The £1.3 million restoration project for the Museum of Farnham's Willmer House represents a significant commitment to preserving a vital piece of Surrey's architectural and cultural heritage. As a Grade I listed building, Willmer House stands as a testament to 18th-century craftsmanship and design. The extensive repairs planned will not only address the immediate structural concerns but also ensure that this historic gem continues to serve as a beacon of local history for years to come.

Collaborative Funding Efforts

The success of this restoration project hinges on the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders. While the majority of the funding has been secured through grants from the Arts Council and National Lottery, the additional contributions from Waverley Borough Council, Farnham Town Council, and the Farnham Museum Society demonstrate a united front in safeguarding this cultural asset. This multi-faceted approach to funding underscores the widespread recognition of Willmer House's importance beyond just local boundaries.

Challenges and Considerations in Heritage Restoration

Restoring a building of Willmer House's age and significance presents unique challenges. The meticulous process of selecting contractors with specialised heritage expertise highlights the care and precision required for such a delicate undertaking. The council's decision to ringfence additional funds acknowledges the potential for unforeseen issues, particularly in areas that could not be fully assessed prior to work commencing. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the restoration can proceed without compromising on quality or historical accuracy.

A Living Museum for the Community

The Museum of Farnham, housed within Willmer House, plays a crucial role in connecting the local community with its rich history. From Bronze Age artifacts to exhibits chronicling the town's development, the museum serves as a vital educational resource. By investing in the building's restoration, Waverley Borough Council is not just preserving bricks and mortar, but safeguarding a space where future generations can continue to explore and engage with their heritage.