The historic, Grade II listed bandstand at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens has been restored to its former glory of 1874 after six months of careful work by conservation specialists.
The local landmark, located on the 15 acre site in Edgbaston, has been completely remodeled after a 12 month fundraiser that raised £ 138,000.
The extensive work included restoring some of the original features – including the color scheme and restoration of the roof and lead, wood, masonry, moldings, gold finishes, and acoustic screen. There were also sympathetic adjustments, such as new steps.
The bandstand, where Neville Chamberlain made his first public address as Prime Minister in 1937 and later served as an air raid shelter during World War II, has been named The Peter Sowerby Bandstand after a substantial donation from the Peter Sowerby Foundation.
Liz Frostick, the charity’s development director, said it would be used as a platform for live music, weddings, other events like heritage and horticultural tours, and as an all-weather outdoor space for school groups.
She said:
“The bandstand looks stunning and we are absolutely delighted with the quality of the restoration work that brings it back to its prime when it was first designed by respected Birmingham architect FB Osborn.
“It’s a real testament to the expertise of the conservationists, who went through every inch of the structure, using historical documents and going back to their expertise to make it look like when it was first unveiled nearly 150 years ago .
“This gem of local heritage will be a fantastic location for musicians and events. We have no doubt that our visitors appreciate the work that has been done to ensure it is secured for another 50 years and beyond. “
The project was supported by several renowned national and local trusts and foundations as well as individual supporters. In addition to the large donation from the Peter Sowerby Foundation, without which the project would not have been possible, the gardens also received donations from the Garfield Weston Foundation, the GJW Turner Trust, May 29, 1961, the Loppylugs & Barbara Morrison Trust, the Feeney Trust , Grimmitt Trust, Limoges Trust, and George Henry Collins Trust.
As a non-profit organization, the gardens, which are among the most historically significant botanical gardens in Great Britain and contain four Victorian greenhouses, do not receive regular public funding. Instead, it relies on the generosity of public donations, grants, and income it can generate through conferences, weddings, and other events.
