Around Ealing April / May 2019 | Page 13

PITZHANGER experimented with colour and form in the early 1800s to impress potential clients. The ambitious restoration has returned the building to this vision – by reinstating original features like the beautiful glass structures and colourful interiors that caused a such a stir across Georgian London for their innovation. A beautiful colonnade connecting the manor and gallery buildings has also been recreated and revealed the original north elevation of the Manor, not seen as Soane intended since 1844. ‘OUTSTANDING PIECE OF CULTURAL HISTORY’ Council leader Julian Bell said: “Pitzhanger Manor is the crown jewel of Ealing’s heritage and I am delighted to see it now opening its doors to the public as the culmination of a careful and meticulous restoration project. It’s an outstanding piece of cultural history on our doorstep.” The reopening of Pitzhanger marks the completion of a £12million conservation and restoration project led by Ealing Council, working with Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery Trust. Funding came from the council and generous grants obtained from Heritage Lottery Fund, Arts Council England and others. Clare Gough, director of Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery Trust, said: ’It has been exciting to see visitors’ delight at rediscovering Pitzhanger as it was designed by Soane, as well as enjoying the juxtaposition of Anish Kapoor’s sculpture in the gallery. We look forward to establishing Pitzhanger as an inspiring destination for heritage, culture and art.” SEE MORE n Read the full story, and view a gallery of photos, at ealingnewsextra.co.uk/ features/manor-reborn n Find out opening times and events at www.pitzhanger.org.uk around ealing    April/May 2019 13