Cannon Hall Roof Repair

Roof work begins!

We have received a grant of £898,405 from the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) to carry out urgent roof repairs. The project will ensure the protection of our hall and its outstanding collections, as well as improving the visitor experience and the environmental sustainability of the museum.

 

The rock asphalt roof over the main block of the hall was found to be failing, posing a risk its collections, which includes ceramics, furniture, paintings and drawings, as well as being home to the De Morgan Museum. The roof repairs will safeguard our collections for future generations and enhance display conditions in the galleries.

 

The project starts on Monday, 19 August and be complete in early 2025. It will involve replacing the existing defective roof with a fully ventilated lead roof with new patent glazed rooflights. The project will also include stonework repairs, replacements and repointing to the chimneys, parapets and cornices of the hall, which dates back to the 18th century and is listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens by Historic England.

 

We will remain open to the public with minimal disruption throughout the duration of the project and continue to offer a range of exhibitions, events and activities for all ages and interests. Scaffolding will be erected on the front of the house while work takes place but will not affect access.

 

The project is being led by conservation architects Donald Insall Associates, who supported Barnsley Council to successfully apply for the MEND grant. The grant is part of a £40 million fund from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) administered, awarded and monitored by Arts Council England to support vital maintenance and repairs in museums and galleries across England.

 

FAQ's

When will the works be complete?

We will aim to complete the work by March 2025.

How is work being funded?

We have received a grant of £898,405 from the Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) to carry out urgent roof repairs. Barnsley Council has also contributed to the project.

The grant is part of a £40 million fund from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) administered, awarded and monitored by Arts Council England to support vital maintenance and repairs in museums and galleries across England.

Will the Museum be closed during the roof repair works?

The Museum will remain open throughout the works (please check for current opening times), visitors can explore our outstanding collections, exhibitions and events.

Currently on display is ‘Costume from the Classics’ a blockbuster exhibition featuring award winning costumes from films like The Duchess, Dangerous Liaisons, Little Women, Queen Charlotte – A Bridgerton Story plus many more.

Events and weddings will still take place in the Museum and if you are interesting in hosting an event please contact functions@barnsley.gov.uk

Will access to the Museum be limited due to the work taking place?

There will be the usual access to the Museum throughout the duration of the works.

How long will the scaffolding be up?

The scaffolding will be up for the duration of the works.

Will the car park outside the Museum be affected?

The contractors compound will be outside the Museum which mean car parking spaces will be extremely limited.

Where possible visitors are advised to use the larger car park next to the play area.

Where have the memorial benches on the South Front been moved to?

The memorial benches have moved for a short while. Due to the essential roof work, the memorial benches along the front of the museum have been temporarily relocated to the centre of the walled garden. The memorial benches will be put back in place once the project is completed in early 2025.