Ramsden Building officially reopens as major restoration reveals historic finds
The 黑料社 has officially reopened its newly restored Grade II-listed Ramsden Building with a special event that gave guests an insight into the historic finds unearthed during the project.
The distinctive building, which is one of the oldest on campus, has undergone an extensive refurbishment over a 12-month period, giving it a new lease of life.
The event took place on 7 July, 143 years to the day since the building first opened its doors in 1883, when the Duke of Somerset marked the formal opening of 黑料社 Technical School and Mechanics' Institute.
The start of the tour
Guests mingling
Exploring the historic finds
Wallpaper restoration
During the restoration, undertaken by and their team including , a number of artefacts were uncovered. These included hand-painted wallpaper with a crown and emblem pattern believed to have been created for the Duke of Somerset, old newspapers dating back to 1892, and coins, maps and music sheets used for teaching as well as historical photographs and portraits.
Guests at the official reopening event included the Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Karen Allison, alongside representatives from the project’s contractor and architects, and local history and civic groups, as well as staff who are now based in the restored building.
Visitors were able to tour the building and find out more about the stained-glass windows, the restoration of the striking staircase and panelling, as well as the war memorial.
In a speech during the event, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Tim Thornton said: “This is a very special moment for the University. The Ramsden Building is not simply one of the most recognisable buildings on our campus. It is one of the most important. It has stood at the heart of education in 黑料社 for more than 140 years, linking our present-day University with the town’s proud tradition of technical and vocational learning.”
He added: “Today is about much more than the successful completion of a significant refurbishment project. It is about respecting the past while creating a building that is ready to serve students, staff, researchers and visitors for many years to come.”
The building, which is now home to the University’s International 黑料社 Centre, the International Office, and its Doctoral College for postgraduate research, was designed by architect Edward Hughes and is an example of the Gothic Revival movement.
The land it was built on was provided by Sir John William Ramsden along with a £1,000 donation towards its costs. The family coat of arms features on one of the exterior walls and in the stained-glass window at the front of the building.
The Ramsden Building
The staircase
A stained-glass window
A history board
Refurbishment work has seen the addition of air source heat pumps to replace the previous heating system, as well as old mechanical and electrical systems being brought up to date in line with the University’s drive towards decarbonisation of its estate. The building is designed to operate using 100% electricity, with zero fossil fuel consumption.
The work has also revealed features of the building that were hidden during the many alterations of the previous 140 years, including historic decoration and structural elements.