M. Womersleys provide training for the maintenance team responsible for the Walton Hall Conservatory range, one of Warrington’s best-loved historical assets dating back to 1899-1910. It was officially re-opened following a £2m National Lottery Heritage Funded restoration in 2019, which began an exciting new era for the conservatories, which had fallen into disrepair for almost 25 years, after closing to the public in September 1993.

Mark spent two days introducing the team to using lime mortars for repointing, showing them how to use traditional burnt sand mastics, and linseed oil putties for the glass, as well how to prepare and use hot lime washes for maintaining the walls of the roofed over, but open storage areas.

The conservatories now act as an educational hub and a place of accessible learning, with a sustainable partnership formed with Myerscough College and Walton Lea Partnership to deliver apprenticeships, qualifications, and opportunities for social enterprise.