HISTORICAL graffiti left by craftsmen has inspired a new fundraiser at Wentworth Woodhouse.
Launch of Make Your Mark In History Appeal urges supporters to leave their hand prints on the roof of the stately home after renovation work on the roof showed that for centuries workmen have been making their own marks there.
Hand-prints and messages dating back to 1806 have been discovered by preservation specialists examining the structure of the leaking roof before the replacement of 14,000 tiles.
More than 20 prints of this ancient graffiti have been found in leadwork on top of the roof, under the slate and across the roof beams. There are many more still to be found, believes master builder Paul Furniss, who since discovering them has been researching the tradition, and the lives of the graffiti-makers.
The Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, which estimates it will need up to £200m to restore the house to its former glory after buying it last year for £7m following a five year campaign, is hoping to carry on the tradition and create thousands more hand prints in time - by having tiles sponsored.
They will go onto the roof on the East Front as part of a two year restoration project using funding awarded from the Chancellor’s 2016 budget.
“These messages will last the test of time, just like those we have uncovered, and the income they bring will be a major boost for our funds. We hope to raise £250,000 by finding 5,000 slate sponsors,” said the trust’s chief executive Sarah McLeod.
Mr Furniss, the restorer who discovered much of the original graffiti, said he has made some fascinating discoveries.
“One was left in the 1830s by Solomon Salkeld, a Chesterfield man baptised in 1792 who became a painter for the Earl of Fitzwilliam and eventually emigrated to the USA.”
At the launch event Ms McLeod also revealed a host of new developments as the transformation commences, including the creation of four new jobs, a new tour of the house cellars and the gardens, plans for a gift shop and revitalised cafe - and a new uniform for staff and volunteers.
