Clifton Observatory

[MdB]

I visited Clifton Observatory this morning (Grade II* - http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/Details/Default.aspx?id=379207&mode=quick) and was rather surprised that the men with cement and gypsum had been in.

The work was incomplete but looked in my eyes to be completely out of keeping with the age of the building in both style and materials.

Has anyone else been there recently? Would it be sensibly to raise a question with the local CO? It looks to me as being a place that struggles to raise money to keep the place open but even so, what has been done just seems wrong.

Edit -

It is on the at risk register so I guess it is known about.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conBar.8176

 

[Gareth Hughes]

I see from the second of your two links that

Following extensive negotiations, a scheme of repair and conversion is advanced.

Conversion into what? don't tell me EH have done the dirty again with their unwritten policy that the best use for every historic building is as a house?

edit:
In among all this:
http://www.bristol.gov.uk/committee/2008/ob/ob001/0715_mins.pdf
Are serious concerns expressed by Bristol's Conservation Advisory Panel on proposals for the observatory - but apparently not addressed.

 

[Jon Maine]

It is a few years since I went to the camera obscura but seem to remember then the quality and type of work occurring was poor. I also got the impression it was a private enterprise which was running somewhat shoestring seat of the pants stuff.

 

[MdB]

It is a few years since I went to the camera obscura but seem to remember then the quality and type of work occurring was poor. I also got the impression it was a private enterprise which was running somewhat shoestring seat of the pants stuff.

That was my feeling too. Didn't look too closely but the outside didn't look it had been repointed. Inside of external walls had been repointed in cement. In a few places, the inside of external walls had been plastered in gypsum and painted and was showing major signs of damp. Internal walls where either new or replastered in gypsum in a very modern style and looked out of place. Windows were in poor nick. Ceiling to the start of the cave was new and made from steel. Large amount of concrete used to make steps down to cave though some of the original steps made from brick and lime survive.