Grundy backs our fight to save Hall
Sep 23 2008 by Kim Carmichael, The Journal
Click here to watch John Grundy's videos >>
THE battle to save Seaton Delaval Hall has received the backing of a renowned local broadcaster and architectural historian.
John Grundy, a well-known face on the region’s TV screens, has produced a series of videos for The Journal’s website exploring the hall and discussing the National Trust’s fundraising campaign to save it from being privately sold.
Mr Grundy, who presents TV programme Grundy’s Wonders, shot the five-part video at Seaton Delaval Hall to play his part in an effort by the National Trust, which has promised £6.9m to save the hall providing that a national campaign can raise the remaining £6.3m.
If the money is not raised, the hall could be turned into a hotel, a golf club, or another commercial development.
The trust’s proposed intervention has been met with widespread support, and a large-scale public consultation process is now under way to decide how best to use the hall, gardens and grounds.
Mr Grundy, of Gosforth, Newcastle, hopes to stress the campaign’s significance in the region, explaining the special cultural and historical place the house occupies.
In the videos, which can be seen at www.journallive.co.uk/ seatondelavalhall Mr Grundy introduces the Hall and describes the English architect Sir John Vanbrugh who created the bold architectural style, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of the English Baroque.
The heritage expert said: “Vanbrugh just seems to have responded to the place, to Northumberland, to the wild sea and the wild northern skies.
“He loved the North, he described it as being far better than what he called the tame sneaking south.”
John also explores the interior of Seaton Delaval Hall and asks how the hall might be used as a public attraction if the National Trust fundraising campaign succeeds.
A forum on The Journal’s Seaton Delaval website also allows people to offer up potential uses for the hall.
Among the suggestions are a heritage and arts centre, a summer camp for children and training grounds for students studying botany and garden design.
Anyone hoping to help the appeal should contact Iain Miles for a community fundraising pack on (01670) 773939. Donations by cheque should be made out to The National Trust and sent to: Seaton Delaval Hall Campaign, The National Trust, PO Box 39, Warrington, WA5 7BR.
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