Visitors are being invited to discover conservation-in-action at a much-loved national monument this January with a series of exclusive tours of Shakespeare’s Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, the custodians of Shakespeare’s family homes in Warwickshire are undertaking a series of essential conservation projects designed to future-proof the building during the first two weeks of January. For the first time, they are welcoming audiences to take a look behind-the-scenes and witness the works for themselves, whilst exploring the history of this iconic building.
“As the very start of Shakespeare’s story, we want to ensure the Birthplace is accessible as possible throughout the year. However, we also have the responsibility to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to explore this historic national monument. So, working closely with our specialist conservation team we have developed these exclusive tours that explore the necessity of ongoing conservation efforts in a changing world.
Commented Rachael North, Director of Visitor Experience and Business Development at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
Indeed, it is this focus on access that spurred the Trust to organise the conservation tours. Offered to individual visitors and group bookings throughout the two-week period of the works, whilst the Birthplace is closed.
The tours, which will be limited to 20 participants per session and led by a guide, are being advertised as an intimate exploration of the property. Attendees will have the opportunity to discover the history of the building as well as discover more about the conservation works and speak to members of the team who are doing the work.
Works being undertaken during the Conservation period include:
Creation of a French drain dug around the rear and side elevations of the Birthplace to improve drainage of the blue lias plinth, helping to speed up the drying process during the more regular periods of intense rainfall
Decorating the Glover’s Workshop following previous conservation works on the chimney
Inspection and re-fixing of the flooring across the Birthplace, both floorboards and stone slabs
Ongoing plaster repairs across the building
Removing the wall hangings for repair and re-application of fire-retardant spray
“The majority of the works taking place are linked to the building’s place as one of the most popular historic properties in the country. A lot of what we are doing is repairing wear and tear from welcoming millions of visitors over the years. Just think about how many pairs of shoes have walked on the floors in the building! We are also ensuring that the building is protected from our changing climate, with more focus on drainage from excess rainfall and storms. I know the team is looking forward to sharing their stories with visitors.”
Continued Mark Ratcliffe, Head of Estates at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.
It is also expected that members of the Trust’s curatorial team will be inspecting items including furniture throughout the conservation period and will be on hand to answer any questions.
Conserving Shakespeare’s Birthplace tours take place between 10am and 1pm from Friday 6 to Fri 13 January 2023. Tickets are limited to 20 per tour and are available to buy online at www.shakespeare.org.uk.