Team putting new £1.4 million glass roof in place at Attingham Hall
Now here's a view that visitors to one of Shropshire's best-known National Trust sites don't often see.
A team of skilled workmen is installing a glass roof above the Picture Gallery at Attingham Hall, near Shrewsbury.
The £1.4 million project will protect the original roof, which is suffering from the effects of more than 200 years' exposure to the elements.
A crane is being used to lift 52 panes of glass into place above the gallery roof, which was designed by Regency architect John Nash in 1805.
His pioneering work allowed in light through a perimeter of glazing, supported by curved cast iron ribs.
But the small panes of glass he used had a design flaw that let in water.
In the 1970s an additional glazed roof was installed above Nash's, but that also started to leak.
Now the National Trust hopes its new project will protect Nash's roof for 200 years.
Helen Royall, Mansion Conservation and Engagement Manager, said: "The scaffolding inside the picture gallery has allowed us access to conserve Nash's original gilding and glass so that it's all looking like new.
"We've also been able to clean and repair Nash's stained glass inner skylight, at the top of the staircase, which is now back to its vibrant best."
For project updates visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/attinghampark
