4th December 2019
Divine Beauty, Birmingham Cathedral and the Burne-Jones stained glass windows.
The speaker at the centre’s December meeting, held at Blakedown Parish Rooms, was Jane McArdle, heritage manager at St. Philip’s Cathedral, Birmingham, since 2014. Her first job was at the Black Country Living Museum. She then moved to the Birmingham Museums. She also undertakes extensive freelance work.
St. Philip’s Cathedral is over 300 years old, and was built as a parish church. It is a Church that became a Cathedral in a Town that became a City. This English baroque style Cathedral is a grade 1 listed building. It became Cathedral in 1905. Some 20.000 people pass by this building each day, not realising the stunning quality of the stained glass within.
St. Martin’s Church in the Bullring had become too small to serve as the parish church, and permission was sort from Queen Anne for a new Church and Churchyard. Elizabeth Philips provided the land on a prominent sandstone ridge. Thomas Archer was the architect, and the building has distinctive concaves and convexes, balustrades and a dome and cupola. It was completed in October 1715. The tower was completed is 1724, funded by the Calthorpe family. There are a number of prominent graves and memorials in the churchyard. Arthur Broom, founder of the RSPA, is buried there in a pauper’s grave. Burials there ceased in the 1850s.
The Cathedral has a rich musical tradition. The organ dates from 1715. Triennial music festivals were held there until the Town Hall was built as a replacement venue.
The prominent Pre-Raphaelite artist, Edward Burne-Jones, who was born in 1833, was commissioned to design the 4 impressive stained glass windows – nativity, crucifixion, ascension and last judgement – which are some of the finest examples in the world. Burne-Jones, who lived in Bennett’s Hill, was influenced by early Italian art. The 4 windows are masterpieces, serene and gentle images, with a depth of rich colour using new oxides. The crucifixion design reflects that of a design in a Chapel in Padua in the Basilica there. Burne-Jones is a Pre-Raphaelite visionary with outstanding technical skills. The glass was made by Chance Brothers, Smethwick. During World War 2 the windows were removed and taken to a slate quarry in North Wales. This was most fortunate as the Cathedral was badly damaged in a bombing raid on the City in October 1940.
The windows are now the subject of a major cleansing and conservation project. Grime and dirt has built up and the windows will be better protected. The project will cost some £800.000, and an application for funds has been made to the Heritage Lottery Fund. The work on the windows will be carried out ‘in situ’- living conservation. The full glory of the windows will again be seen. A visit to the Cathedral to see these amazing windows is strongly recommended: Divine Beauty.
5th November 2019
The Grand Old Duke of York – A Right Royal Scandal
The speaker at the Centre’s November meeting, held at Blakedown Parish Rooms, was Doctor Graham Cope. He is a clinical scientist (biochemist), who has worked at the University of Birmingham. He has a strong interest in military history.
Graham Cope’s presentation focused on Frederick Duke of York, and Mary Anne Clarke (1776-1852), one of his many mistresses. Frederick was the younger son of George 111 and was brought up at Kew. His father sent him to Hanover to stay with the Duke of Brunswick to learn about the military – and to keep him away from the influence of his brother, the Prince Regent. Frederick was in Hanover for 6½ years. He returned to London and got married to Frederica in 1791. They lived in Weybridge, and Frederick’s London home was York House (now the Scottish Office).
Frederick Duke of York gained military experience fighting in support of the Austrians in the Netherlands. He became Commander in Chief of the Horse Guards (for 32 years). This practical experience of warfare made him determined to improve the British Army, which was in a poor state. Through his efforts it became a formidable force.
Mary Anne Clarke was the daughter of a printer and pamphletera. Despite her relative poverty she was ambitious. She eloped with a stone mason (who was the lodger), got married at 16, and had 3 children by the time she was 19. She got to know various influential people- such as Thomas Taylor (bootmaker of Bond Street), Bill Dowler (Stockbroker) and William Ogilvy (Army Agent) – and had various introductions to the rich and famous. William Ogilvy arranged for Army commissions to be bought, and Mary Anne Clarke also set up as an agent. She was introduced to the Duke of York, who bought her a house in Gloucester Place, London. This relationship developed and he bought her another house in Weybridge where the Duchess of York lived nearby.
Mary Anne’s husband Joseph, wrote to the Duke of York accusing him of adultery. She was granted an annuity of £4000 per year but demanded more money. She moved to live in Exmouth. A Wig politician, Gwyllym Lloyd Wardle MP for Oakhampton wanted to bring down the Monarchy and Government and accused the Duke of York of taking money from the sale of Army Commissions. There was a 3 week parliamentary enquiry, during which details of the Duke’s relationships were made public. He was exonerated of taking money but his Army career was over, and he resigned. Wardle became a National hero and Mary Anne wrote her memoirs. William Fitzgerald, chancellor of Ireland, accused her of libel. She was found guilty and sent to prison (9 months of hard labour). Her reputation was destroyed. She went to live in Brussels, the Paris, and finally Boulogne. The novelist Daphne Du Maurier was related to her.
The Duke of York came through the scandal of 1806 – one of his defenders was Spencer Percival, the leader of the House who was subsequently assassinated when he was Prime Minister. George IV subsequently re-instated his brother as Commander in Chief. The Duke of York died in January 1827. He had transformed the Army and was known as “the soldiers friend”. A memorial to him was erected off The Mall in central London.
8th October 2019
British Artists of the Early 20th Century.
The speaker at the Centre’s October meeting, held at Kidderminster Methodist Church, was Adrian Sumner, who was paying a return visit. He is a former Arts Development Officer and organiser of exhibitions. He lectures widely and is an artist himself.
Adrian Sumner’s focus was on the British artists Eric Ravilius, Laura Knight and Paul Nash. Eric Ravilius was born on Acton and lived in Margate, where a collection of his works can be found. He died in 1942 on active service, when the plane he was in was lost at sea off Iceland. He developed a tradition of landscape art as an English watercolourist, depicting aspects of country life and familiar scenes such as “Westbury White Horse” and “Greenwich Observatory”. He developed a skill with woodblock, inspired by the first major print maker, Thomas Berwick. Ravilius designed the cover of the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack ( which is still used each year), posters for Shell, and produced designs for the Wedgwoods. Also he designed the murals for the cocktail bar at the Midland Hotel, Morecombe (1933) and for Colwyn Bay pier (1934). He was a World War 2 wartime artist (one of about 300), and produced many works depicting coastal scenes and submarines, a number of which can be seen in the Imperial War Museum.
Laura Knight was also a war artist. She developed an art deco style of painting. The stage and the circus were her favourite subjects. She also enjoyed painting horses and gypsies. She recorded the Nuremberg Trials, and again her works can be seen in the Imperial War Museum. Examples of her work are Barrage Balloons at Coventry and factory worker “Ruby Lofthouse”. She was married to fellow painter Harold Knight – but Laura is the greater artist.
Paul Nash, also a photographer, was another war artist who vividly depicted trench warfare. His work includes depictions of Billingsgate, Smithfield and Covent Garden markets. He did mural designs for the liners “Orcades” and “Oronsay” in 1947, designed the masthead for the “Observer” newspaper, and designed posters for Ealing Studios, London Transport and Fortnum and Mason.
Adrian Sumner illustrated his presentation with examples of the work of these 3 artists. He also made reference to a number of other artists and their work including, John Singer Sargent, Walter Richard Sickert, Harold Gilman, Ben Nicholson, Stanley Spencer, Charles Cundall, Edward Bawden and L.S.Lowry. He also referred to Gerald Leslie Brockhurst, an artist with Solihull connections. The audience went on an extensive tour of an art gallery – or so it seemed.
20th May 2019
Rocks, Radar, Water, Music & Health All Made Malvern Famous
The speaker at the centre’s May meeting, held at Hagley Community Centre, was Dr. John Harcup, a fellow of the Royal college of General Practitioners. He came to Malvern as a GP in 1963, and helped establish the first purpose built surgery in South Worcestershire. He was awarded an OBE for services to health and heritage in Malvern. Dr. Harcup is chairman of the West Midlands branch of the Elgar Society, and is involved Elgar’s Birthplace at Lower Broadheath, now in the care of the National Trust.
Malvern water is naturally pure. Rainwater falls on the pre-Cambrian granite core of the Malvern Hills, where it percolates and is filtered through fissures in the rock. The Schweppes bottling plant at Colwall operated for many years before being acquired by Coca cola. Malvern water was famously drunk by the Queen and Margaret Thatcher. Sadly the plant closed and most of the site has been developed for housing. A new business has been set up marketing Holy Well Malvern Water.
Interest in the use of natural water as a cure for ailments originated about 1558, and bathing in cold water developed in the 17th century. Dr. John Wall, a physician at Worcester Infirmary (who helped found the Worcester porcelain factory) conducted experiments in 1757 which confirmed the superior purity of Malvern Water compared with water from continental spas. Malvern water contains the least dissolved matter. Wells House, at Malvern Wells, opened in 1740 to help cure eye ailments and soreness, and new baths were opened in 1773.
Vincent Priessnitz from Silesia had been badly injured in an accident and had bathed regularly in cold running water to aid his recovery. He established a spa in the town of Grafenberg, formulating health packages for patients. His ideas swept through Europe and he inspired Dr. James Wilson of London who went to observe and learn from Priessnitz. Dr. Wilson came to Malvern with a Dr. Gully and they established a water cure establishment in 1848. Hydrotherapy was developed, and the pump room was in Priory Park. The business expanded, and patients came from far and wide, including Charles Darwin and Alfred Lord Tennyson. Florence Nightingale came to Malvern for treatment about nine times. Elgar never had treatment locally- instead he went to Llandrindod Wells. A number of water cure doctors came to Malvern to set up business – but only one woman, Dr. Mary Nicholls.
A handful of cases of Typhoid in 1905 brought the water cure era in Malvern to an end. In the 1990s research was carried out which confirmed that cold water treatment does wake up the immune system and the reaction improves circulation. Dr. Harcup said that natural treatment, using cold water or brine baths does have benefits for patients.
8th April 2019
The Great Siege of Malta 1565
The speaker at the centre’s April meeting, held at Hagley Community Centre, was Charles Dyer. He spent his working life in the steel industry, and on retirement became a volunteer at Snowshill Manor, where he had been involved for 11 years. He enjoys travelling and Malta is a favourite destination.
Most people are aware of the siege of Malta during the second world war, but a smaller number know of an earlier siege in 1565. Charles Dyer has made a study of this and his presentation described the events during that period.
The Knights of St. John originally cared for pilgrims on their way to the Crusades. They were based firstly in Acre, then Cyprus, moving to Rhodes in 1310 (from where they were expelled by the Turks in 1522), and settled in Malta in 1530. Over a period of 30 years the Knights worked on the defences in Grand Harbour and built several forts. The Turks first attacked Malta in 1564, capturing the south of the Island. However, as the Turks moved north they were repulsed. The following year the Turks again attacked the island, led by their Sultan, Mustapha. The Knights, under the leadership of their Grand Master, La Valette, resisted the onslaught.
The Knights faced the massive firepower of the Turks. The Maltese people supported the Knights, but they were hugely outnumbered – 7.000 against 250.000. One of the forts was overwhelmed, and there was much brutality on the part of the Turks. The siege began in May and carried on into August, in the heat of Summer. Eventually, a relief force from Syracuse in Sicily came to the aid of the Knights and the demoralised Turks retreated. Up to 30.000 Turks lost their lives. The Knights survived far superior firepower and odds. Luck played a big part in the successful resistance of the courageous Knights. This was the first defeat of the Turks, and it was widely celebrated by the Christian world.
A tapestry was created in 1585, marking the events of the siege. Malta is proud of its history and tourists today can explore the forts and learn first-hand from museums and displays about the siege of 1565.
12th March 2019
The speaker at the centre’s March meeting held at Blakedown Parish Rooms was Dorothy Nicolle. She lives in Shropshire and is a blue badge guide, leading walks and tours within the county. She lectures widely and has written several books.
Charles Darwin is well known as the author of the ‘Origin of the Species’, first published in 1859. The first edition of 1250 copies speedily sold out. The book was translated into German. Charles was born in Shrewsbury in 1809, one of six children. His father, Robert, set up his doctor’s practice in Shrewsbury at the age of 20. Robert married Susannah, daughter of Josiah Wedgwood. Apart from his work as a doctor, he invested in canals and was a moneylender. He became wealthy and at his death left an estate worth £200.000, the equivalent of £12 million today.
Both of Charles Darwin’s grandfathers influenced him in many ways – Erasmus Darwin of Lichfield, a doctor and poet, could be described as a genius, with his work as an inventor and his research on gases. Josiah Wedgwood was also an inventor (including a thermometer to measure temperature within kilns) apart from being a highly successful businessman and becoming a member of the Royal Academy. The Lunar society of Birmingham, with the family involvement, also had an influence with the young Charles Darwin.
Charles was taught reading and writing by his elder sisters and went to school at age of 8. His interest in nature was developing. He attended Shrewsbury School, where his headmaster, Samuel Butler, regarded him as a dead loss. He went to Edinburgh University to study Medicine, but a future career as a doctor was not for him. Charles became interested in Chemistry (During a scientific experiment Charles and his brother managed to blow up their father’s garden shed). An interest in taxidermy also grew.
Charles left Edinburgh University and went to Christ’s college, Cambridge to study Theology. He graduated in 1831. At Cambridge he met John Henslow, Professor of Botany, and the Geologist Adam Sedgwick. At the suggestion of Prof. Henslow, Captain Robert Fitzroy, of HMS Beagle, offered Charles Darwin the job of naturalist on a scientific expedition to South America. The expedition set off in December 1831 on a 5-year voyage. Darwin’s career progressed – The rest is history.
5th February 2019
Annual General Meeting
The centre’s annual general meeting was held at Blakedown Parish Rooms. The President, David Brown, chaired the meeting. He welcomed those present. He thanked the Centre committee for their hard work during the year. It was not easy raising funds, but it had been another successful year. The National Trust thrives on the voluntary help of supporters and this is so important. He referred to the growing number of visitors to the Trust properties, who gain much pleasure from the experience.
The Chairman, Chris Fonteyn, presented his 30th Annual Report. It had been another rewarding year, a continued period of progress and consolidation. Since the Centre was founded, in 1984, it has built up an impressive track record. He paid tribute to the Centre’s Officers and Committee members for their commitment, enthusiasm and loyalty during the year, but he warned that members must come forward to take on roles to operate the Centre. It is inevitable that present office holders will retire and new faces must come forward to take their place – otherwise the Centre will just fade away. Members should not be reluctant and complacent and should get involved. There will be a more pro-active approach in encouraging this succession planning.
The Chairman reviewed the Centre’s activities during the year. All attracted a good level of support. Gifts in wills remain a particularly important source of income for the Trust and the example of the late Joan White, a former member of our Centre, is a timely reminder. So far £50.000 has been distributed from Joan’s estate, and £26.200 will go to Hanbury Hall for their Ash Pans project, and £23.800 will go to Sunnycroft, for their Halliday Conservatory project. Both properties are delighted with this marvellous legacy. Joan’s generous gesture is much appreciated.
The Treasurer, Trevor Sidaway, presented the audited account. The Centre’s finances are sound and it was possible to make donations of £5500 to three National Trust properties during the year. The Annual Dinner, the various outings and the holiday had all made good surpluses.
The President, Officers and committee members were duly re-elected. Long service awards were presented to Janet Cholmondeley (5 years), Adrian Cholmondeley (5 years), Sheelah Bolam (25 years) and Chris Fonteyn (35 years)
Lou Hall, property manager at Sunnycroft, gave a presentation on the Halliday Conservatory project, featured in the Regional newsletter. She expressed her warm gratitude for Joan White’s legacy. The plan is to restore the conservatory back to its original state, one of only two left in this country. The Centre will be kept informed of developments and progress. There are plans under consideration to secure the future of the historic Daimler car at the property. Members were encouraged to visit Sunnycroft.
Eric Greenwood gave a presentation on the places to be visited in the forthcoming programme of car and coach outings.
Janet West gave a vote of thanks prior to the conclusion of the meeting.
January 2019
The speaker at the centre’s January meeting was Antony Peers, an architectural historian, trained as an advisor in the conservation of historical buildings. He was educated at the University of Manchester and worked for a firm of architects in Leamington Spa. In the summer of 1999 he got involved with the conservation plan for Birmingham Town Hall. He worked there for 9 years and was advisor to the City Council. £10 million pounds was awarded to the restoration project by the Heritage Lottery fund in 2000. Anthony Peers has undertaken work for the National Trust at various properties including Kedleston Hall and Southwell Workhouse.
Birmingham was built on a hill with no natural watercourse close by. The development of canals brought access to bring in new materials and to take out finished goods. Industry grew and flourished and needles, fish hooks, buckles, buttons and rifles were produced. Birmingham was described as a “spirited progressive place”. The population grew rapidly – in 1750 it was 24,000 and in 1830 it was 100,000. It was a place of political gatherings and debate and played a part in the planning of the Great Reform Act of 1832. The Town Hall was built in part for political meetings but the main reason was the need for a suitable venue for the city’s Triannual Music Festivals. Birmingham needed a proper concert hall and the Town Hall was Britain’s first purpose built hall. A public rate raised funds to build it.
The main driving force behind the project was Joseph Moore, a promoter of musical events within the city, who led the campaign. Various sites were considered until the present location was bought in 1830 for £7000. The streets Commissioners invited designs and 70 submissions were received including one from Charles Barry designer of the Palace of Westminster. The winning design was from Joseph Hanson (1803-82) and Edward Welch (1806-1868). The Temple of Pollock and Castor in Rome was the inspiration, a temple on a podium. Hansom also patented the Hanson cab (1834) and designed R.C Cathedral and St Walburge’s Church, Preston, which has the tallest spire of any parish church in the country. The stone for the Town Hall came from Penmon Quarry Anglesey. There were difficulties and challenges with the contractors during the construction including strike action leading to the bankruptcy of both architects. Building work started in 1832 and was completed in 1834 at a cost of £35,000. The first concert was performed there in October 1834.
The Town Hall soon became a landmark, an iconic building within the city. Alterations were carried out in 1927. The nearby Council House and Museum were built in 1874-85. Later there were aspirations for a large Civic Hall, and Symphony Hall was built opening in 1991, and became the new home of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. The Town Hall was closed in July 1996 on the grounds that the building was unsafe, it needed major refurbishment, and suffercompletion from other venues.
Lottery funding of a total of £13.7 million was secured and the conservation project got underway. £4 million was spent on restoring the stonework and the interior was also restored and re-configured. The project was delivered on time and within budget. The Town Hall was re-opened for business in October 2007. As the Preston Chronicle stated in October 1834 “the Town Hall is the pride of Birmingham and an ornament to England” the city’s most loved building.
Details of the activities of this group of local National Trust members can be obtained from the centres Membership Secretary Roy Fox on 01562 886728