Bath Preservation Trust’s No. 1 Royal Crescent will re-open on Friday, June 21st after a closed period of restoration, renovation and reconnection to the original domestic wing.
The multi-million pound project will double the number of rooms on show from five to ten, provide improved access for disabled visitors, a dedicated education centre and conserve the fabric and the collection.
So far over four million pounds has been raised towards the fundraising target but more donations are needed.
Bath’s Royal Crescent – and No 1, the first house built there – is a spectacular example of elegant 18th century design. It is an iconic masterpiece that has made a major contribution to the city’s UNESCO inscription as a World Heritage site.
No 1 is a magnificent Georgian town house, built between 1767 and 1774 to the designs of architect John Wood the Younger. It’s first resident was Henry Sandford, a wealthy widower and former Irish MP who lived there for 20 years until his death.
As a museum, No 1 attracts over 50,000 people each year who come to view its elegant period decor and furnishings that create a unique picture of private life in Georgian Bath.
On Friday, June 21st a public opening ceremony – aimed primarily at the media – will take place between 10.00 and 11 am with an event that promises to incorporate ‘just a little bit of theatre.’
At 11 am the doors will open to the public who will be entertained in the house by Annie the Georgian Cook and others.
The new opening times are 10.30 am to 5.30 pm Tue – Sun and 12 noon to 5.30 pm on Mondays.
You can find more information about No 1 and the other museums in the Trust’s care at http://www.bath-preservation-trust.org.uk
