Linford Bridgeman Complete Restoration of Southampton’s Historic Tudor House Museum

Birmingham, United Kingdom, June 06, 2008 --(PR.com)-- The UK’s leading restoration specialist Linford-Bridgeman has completed the £1.2m restoration of Southampton’s historic Tudor House Museum.

The restoration project is the first phase in a three year programme which will see the stunning 15th Century building completely transformed. The next phase of work will include an internal refit of the museum and exhibition centre.

The Tudor House was originally built for Sir John Dawtry, the Controller of Customs in Southampton, and is one of the city’s few historic buildings to survive the bombs of World War II.

As part of the restoration process the 500-year-old building underwent major structural correction and refurbishment, including extensive repairs to the roof and external strengthening.

The building’s Grade I Listed status meant that traditional techniques and skills were required throughout the restoration process. The heritage craftsmen from Linford-Bridgeman worked closely with the architects Purcell Miller Tritton and archaeological team to ensure the repair work was sympathetic and historically accurate throughout the building.

Southampton City Council’s Cabinet member for Leisure and Culture, Councillor John Hannides, said: “We are immensely proud of our heritage in the city. We will continue to do all we can to both protect and promote our heritage and we are delighted with the work carried out Linford-Bridgeman to restore Tudor House Museum – one of the jewels in Southampton’s crown.”

Simon Linford, chief executive at Linford-Bridgeman said: “The Tudor House Museum is an extremely important part of Southampton’s heritage. This restoration project required specialist craft skills which are becoming a rarity in the modern world.

“Southampton City Council should be commended for its commitment to its historic buildings and we are proud to have provided the traditional skills to ensure this fine building is enjoyed by generations to come. I was particularly pleased to be able to work on this building as my father in law lived next door just after the war and has fond memories of playing in its garden as a child.”

Linford-Bridgeman has been responsible for the restoration of some of the UK’s most historic buildings, including Warwick Castle, Sir John Rylands Library, The Bodleain Library and is currently restoring Quakers Friars in Bristol as part of the high profile Cabot Circus development.

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