November saw the completion of two projects supported by Pilgrim Trust grants: Ross-on-Wye Market House reopened following specialist conservation work and Maesteg Town Hall also reopened with the Christopher Williams paintings take ‘pride of place’. Read on to find out more.
Ross-on-Wye Market House
November saw the grand reopening of Ross-on-Wye Market House. A striking red sandstone, Grade II* listed Market House and one of only four historic market halls remaining in Herefordshire. It is an excellent example of a high-status municipal town building of the mid-17th century. Our grant of £25,000, to Ross-on-Wye Council, just a year ago, went towards essential repairs to the masonry and stonework. The building was suffering from extensive stone erosion and urgently required specialist conservation work. The future of the much-loved building is now preserved and can be enjoyed by the local community and visitors for generations to come.
We are extremely grateful to The Pilgrim Trust and our other funders for helping to preserve and protect this important historical Grade II* listed building in Ross-on-Wye. The Market House is an iconic landmark within the town and we are delighted that the restoration has enabled residents and visitors to continue to enjoy it for many decades to come.
Carla Boyles, Town Clerk
Featured image: Ross-on-Wye Market House. Credit: Ross-on-Wye Town Council
Christopher Williams paintings take ‘pride of place’ as Maesteg Town Hall reopens
Awen Cultural Trust operates a range of cultural facilities across South Wales. In November 2022, we awarded the Trust a grant of £5,000 to repair and restore the canvas and frame of the ‘Maesteg Iron Works’ painting, by renowned Welsh artist Christopher Williams, 1873-1934, who was born and raised in Maesteg. The painting was damaged and in need of conserving before it could go safely on public display in the library area of Maesteg Town Hall. The town hall, which stands proudly in the heart of the Llynfi Valley, reopened this month following extensive redevelopment work. The Christopher Williams paintings take ‘pride of place’ and are free and accessible for all visitors to enjoy. Find out more here: