The Victorian Society’s Birmingham & West Midlands Group has announced its eleventh annual Conservation Award made to the National Trust for their project at Wightwick Manor. The award is sponsored by Hortons’ Estate Limited.
Wightwick Manor east elevation corner after restoration. Photos: Rachael Parry & Lindsey Bucknor
The 2025 award recognises the conservation of Grade I Wightwick Manor owned by the National Trust. The house is one of England’s most complete surviving examples of a late Victorian Arts & Crafts domestic architecture.
Built in 1887, and extended in 1893, the manor house was designed by Midlands architect Edward Ould for Theodore and Flora Mander. Its construction reflects Ould’s fascination with half-timbered buildings, although at Wightwick the timber work is wholly decorative and not structural. Ould designed Wightwick to meet the Arts & Crafts ideals, and it is now recognised as an important example of the architecture and design of the late 19th century. The house contains work by the leading designers of the period, and is one of only a few surviving examples of such a home. The building’s William Morris furnishings, fabrics, wallpapers, and stained glass are of international importance. It also houses a significant collection of Pre-Raphaelite paintings by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, Edward Burne-Jones, Marie Spartali Stillman, Elizabeth Siddal and others. The Mander’s took inspiration from Oscar Wilde’s lecture on The House Beautiful so the interiors reflect the author, playwright and aesthete’s adherence to the principles of the Aesthetic Movement and the belief in ‘art for art’s sake.’
Wightwick Manor south elevation after restoration. Photos: Rachael Parry & Lindsey Bucknor
The Victorian Society Birmingham and West Midlands Regional Group’s Conservation Award recognises the achievements of Wightwick’s three-year Big MEND Project. The project addressed urgent issues in the building’s timber frame, plasterwork and exterior, using traditional skills and appropriate materials matching the original design and construction. The builder for the project was Stamford-based Messenger BCR, the architect was Tim Ratcliffe Associates, who worked with the National Trust team in the West Midlands. The project was supported by funding from Arts Council England’s Museums and Estate Development Fund (MEND).
Before the conservation began, several areas of Wightwick Manor were showing the effects of age, weathering and earlier repairs. Parts of the timber frame and external plaster had begun to fail, with decay and movement that required investigation. Some of the historic rainwater goods were no longer performing well, leading to damp issues in a few places. Sections of the building’s exterior were vulnerable and needed intervention to prevent further deterioration. A pre-project survey confirmed that without attention, these issues would continue to compromise both the fabric of the building and the long term preservation of its nationally significant interiors.
Wood work in situ during the restoration. Photos Rachael Parry & Lindsey Bucknor
The Conservation Award, sponsored by Hortons’ Estate Limited, recognises an outstanding renovation or conservation project on a building that dates (or has had substantial alteration/additions) from between 1837-1914, within the geographical remit of the Birmingham & West Midlands Group of the Victorian Society. The winner was announced, at a ceremony at 12 midday on 14th February 2026. An illuminated certificate and a 19” bronze disc recording the name of the winner and the year, for display, on or in the building, will be presented later. Hortons’ Estates’ generous sponsorship for the annual conservation award has enabled the recognition of notable restoration and conservation projects since 2015. The sponsorship will continue for another year having been renewed in 2024.
Stephen Hartland, Regional Chairman, West Midlands Group of the Victorian Society, said:
“I am absolutely delighted that Wightwick Manor has been selected as the winner of the Victorian Society Birmingham & West Midlands Conservation Award. The judging panel was unanimous in its decision, reflecting the exceptionally high regard in which this project was held. From the outset, it was clear that the work demonstrated an outstanding commitment to conservation principles, underpinned by a deep understanding of the building’s history and significance. The quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail throughout set this project apart as truly exemplary.”
“The conservation of Wightwick Manor stands as a model of how our Victorian heritage can be cared for with intelligence, sensitivity and respect. It successfully preserves historic fabric while enhancing the building’s character and ensuring its long-term future. The Birmingham & West Midlands Group is proud to recognise this achievement through the Conservation Award, and we hope it will inspire others to approach the stewardship of historic buildings with the same care, ambition and dedication.”
Reinstalling stained glass at Wightwick Manor. Photos: Rachael Parry & Lindsey Bucknor
Ian Bird, Regional Director, Messenger, conservation contractors said:
“Messenger have been honoured to work on all three phases of the Wightwick’s three-year Big MEND Project.”
“Both our tradesmen, managers and supply chain have constantly been in awe of the building and its interiors and have worked with the National Trust and architect to develop repairs which are both sensitive and long lasting. The project was made up of three phases over three years (all competitively tendered) and shows that the close relationship of the project team and lessons learned on initial phases pays dividends on proceeding phases both in terms of the repair methodology and the day-to-day running of the site.”
“We would thank the client and all members of the team for making this a truly memorable project to have been involved with.”
Reinstalling stained glass during the restoration at Wightwick Manor. Photos: Rachael Parry & Lindsey Bucknor
Rachael Parry, Building Surveyor and Project Manager of ‘The Big MEND’, National Trust said:
“The team is thrilled to receive this recognition for what has been a truly collaborative and rewarding project. The achievement reflects the dedication and expertise of so many people – from the Arts Council for their vital funding support, to our highly skilled conservation contractors and knowledgeable architect, and our experienced, passionate staff and volunteers.”
“Together, we have completed complex, intricate repairs that safeguard Wightwick’s significant historic fabric and collection, while also creating a meaningful legacy through interpretation, specialist tours, and community engagement. Most importantly, this project has enabled us to share the importance of the responsibility we all have to care for its historic fabric for generations to come.”
The restoration created opportunities for engagement Photos: Rachael Parry & Lindsey Bucknor
Stephen Benson, Chief Executive, Hortons’ Estate Limited, the award’s sponsor said:
“The Big MEND project at Wightwick Manor was a major restoration of the Grade I listed late 19th century building, requiring specialist craftspeople to repair and reinstate this important architectural example of Arts & Crafts design to this excellent standard. Hortons are delighted to sponsor the Victorian Society award and to support such work in the West Midlands region.”
Kempe stained glass after restoration Photos: Rachael Parry & Lindsey Bucknor
