Building knowledge and continuing to learn and develop
In every profession it is important to continue to develop and grow, not only to ensure you are always able to give your clients the most current information on innovations and trends, but also for your own wellbeing. So what have I learned this month?
Firstly, that looking into the history of local buildings and their architecture and design is both fascinating and rewarding. I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to explore in depth history of Wokingham Town Hall, its design features and what being a Grade II* listed building actually means when it comes to restoring and maintaining the interior space.
A community building has sat on the site of the current Wokingham Town Hall since some time in the late 16th century. The current building was completed in 1860 and designed by architects William Ford Poulton and William Henry Woodman. this was when Gothic Revival (or Victorian Gothic) was at its most popular as can be seen with balustrades, trefoil windows, gables and lancet windows all being features of the external design of the building. This Gothic Revival theme follows through to the interior where the main hall features both a Hammer Beam roof and Gothic Arch doorway.
The Diamond Jubilee Room, pictured below, was recently refurbished, under the guidance of Heritage England and a the William Morris Acorn wallpaper, originally designed in 1879, now adorns the walls, together with paint colours that are true to the historical period. The stone mullions around the Tracey and Trefoil windows has been uncovered and repaired and the lighting is in keeping with the time, albeit now electric rather than gas.
