From St Paul’s Cathedral to Strawberry Hill, World Monuments Fund Britain (WMFB) works tirelessly to help restore and conserve Britain’s most vulnerable historic buildings for future generations to come. Here, The BB Edit talks to its events and membership manager, Sarah Meaker, to find out more
What is the role of the WMFB?
WMF Britain was founded in 1995 and is the leading heritage conservation charity in the UK. We partner with sites around the country and internationally to ensure that our built heritage survives and is given a new lease of life. Through fundraising, conservation management, education, advocacy and partnership building we continue to make a vital difference.
What kind of buildings do you work with?
We have worked with a diverse array of buildings including cathedrals, mansions and industrial buildings. Our projects have included St Paul’s Cathedral, Hampton Court Palace, Strawberry Hill and St George’s Hall, Liverpool. The one uniform characteristic of all of our projects is the transformative benefit we provide to the communities who own and use these high-profile buildings.
What are the major considerations when selecting a building?
A building might be chosen for its iconic design, or it might be historically significant, or perhaps unusually rare or fragile. Where one needs publicity or advocacy, another demands complete restoration. Each project is unique.
Can you tell us about any of your current projects you are working on?
One of our major focuses currently is the conservation of Christ Church Cathedral in Stone Town, Zanzibar – an iconic historical marker built on the site of the last open slave market in East Africa. By the time WMFB became involved in the project, the Cathedral was in danger of collapse. In 2013, WMFB successfully received a grant from the European Union to carry out conservation at the Cathedral and create a Heritage and Education Centre telling the story of slavery and its abolition. We are also preparing to partner with a major new project in the UK and look forward to announcing this shortly.
What has been the project you have been most proud of?
The conservation of Stowe House in Buckinghamshire is one of the largest projects WMF Britain has undertaken. We are a central partner in a grand £20 million project, with a £10 million challenge launched by a major donor in 2008. Our involvement has included the return of the Cheere lead lions to the South Portico, the conservation of the State Library and the Music Room, and the creation and installation of bespoke chandeliers.
The conservation of Stowe House is one of the largest projects we have undertaken
What has been the biggest challenge to date?
Our biggest challenge remains sourcing funding for these major projects and the work that we do. We receive no government funding and rely on the generosity of trusts, foundations, corporate support and individuals.
How do you raise support for conserving these wonderful monuments and buildings?
Our members play an integral role in supporting the work that we do and enjoy a privileged relationship with the organisation. Corporate sponsors are able to align themselves with our brand and reach our network of high-end supporters. Trusts and foundations generously contribute to projects that promote forward vision and ensure sustainability and impact.
Why it this support so essential and what impact does it have on your work?
We quite simply wouldn’t exist without the generous support of our donors and members. They allow us to make a difference and ensure that our past is given a future.
Tell us more about the study days and the events that you run and how members can learn more about architecture.
WMF Britain runs an annual programme of events allowing our supporters and members of the public to engage more closely with the conservation and heritage world. Lectures are given by leading field experts and major public speakers and authors; recent examples include Jung Chang, Mary Beard and John Julius Norwich. Our study days enable the public to gain a greater insight into our projects and the work that we do, with bespoke access and expert guides.
How can you become a member of WMF Britain?
Our members not only support the work that we do, but also enjoy a programme of benefits that includes discounted tickets, private receptions and bespoke access to heritage sites.
Visit WMBF to find out more and to join online, or call the office on 020-7251 8142
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