Brighton launches urgent campaign to repair Preston Manor

Brighton & Hove Museums has launched an urgent fundraising campaign to support the refurbishment of its Preston Manor site.

Preston Manor, which reopened to the public recently after being closed for five years, was largely built in the late 1700s, although parts of the architecture date back to the 1200s. Its damaged facade, weakened render and weather-worn shutters mean that vital repairs are needed to stop further damage.

Conservation experts estimate a total of £150,000 is needed to carry out the works. The To the Manor Reborn campaign aims to raise at least half of that through public support by November. Suggested donations start at £5.

“We all know the majority of our museum buildings are historic and have suffered chronic underinvestment over many years,” said Hedley Swain, the CEO of Brighton & Hove Museums. “They have needed to be continually adapted to meet the challenges of changing audiences and demands.

“This is now compounded by the effects of climate change with a need to both mitigate the effects of extreme weather and plan to reduce energy use. The situation nationally has now reached crisis point – something that government agencies do recognise. But with local authorities more pressured than ever and overall public funding in decline we need to find new solutions.

“At the same time, these buildings are powerful and atmospheric places that connect people and communities directly with the past and are much loved. Managing the balance between conservation, access, and financial sustainability is increasingly difficult and will not get easier and it is why campaigns like this are so important.”

Preston Manor was once home to the Stanford family, the most prominent landowners in Brighton. It has hosted aristocracy, royalty, literary legend Rudyard Kipling, and later served a wartime role during world war two. It is also known as one of Britain’s most haunted houses, and attracts paranormal enthusiasts from across the country.

The campaign is asking for £5 to help fund the materials to patch a historic crack, £10 to help repair a section of render, £25 to improve a tired window, £50 to help restore a shutter and £100 to fund specialist conservation work.

All donations will be tracked through a live “Manor-meter” which gives supporters a visible, layer-by-layer update as restoration progresses. 

The work is being undertaken by Julian Harrap Architects, which is known for its specialist architectural services for the repair and restoration of historic buildings, estates and landscapes. 

“Our aim is to honour its rich heritage while transforming it into a stunning backdrop and welcoming venue for local events, breathing new life into a historic place for the community to enjoy,” said Robert Sandford, a partner at Julian Harrap Architects.

As well as Preston Manor & Gardens, Brighton & Hove Museums oversees the Royal Pavilion & Garden, Brighton Museum & Art Gallery, Hove Museum & Art Gallery and the Booth Museum of Natural History.