Paper Hall

(First published in 1987 in volume 3, pp. 52-53, of the third series of The Bradford Antiquary, the journal of the Bradford Historical and Antiquarian Society.)

It is good to see the roof nearing completion because this means that the first phase of restoration is nearly over. The second phase, when the hall will be put to use, forms the next part of the plan. Passers-by will have noticed that the new Inner Ring Road comes alariningly close, but Paper Hall is secure, and there will be advantages in the shape of landscaping and spacious car parks when all the work is finished. A section of 19th century road has been discovered at the rear of the hall and this will be restored as a feature of the final layout.

A substantial part of the English Heritage grant still remains to be matched by contributions from other sources, but generous donations continue to arrive. Since our last issue £5,000 has been received from the Clothworkers' Foundation and £5,000 from the J. Paul Getty Foundation. Local efforts, too, help to swell the pool and these, like the larger amounts, are matched by sums from the English Heritage grant.

Eight members of a House of Commons Select Committee on the Environment visited Paper Hall in July 1986 during a tour of sites in the region, and showed enthusiastic encouragement for the work that was going on. A party from The Association for Studies in the Conservation of Historic Buildings also paid a visit in September, when spending a day in Bradford. This kind of interest shows that Paper Hall is gaining both local and national recognition.

The main concern of the Preservation Society is to provide a public amenity for the citizens of Bradford: a worthy use for a worthy building. If you wish to help this good cause please send donations and offers of help to the Treasurer: Dr N Entwistle, 3 Collier Lane, Baildon, Shipley BDl7 5LN (Tel xxxxxx).

© 1987, The Bradford Antiquary