The Argory, deep in the green Co Armagh countryside, recently opened its doors following an 18-month closure for essential conservation work. Visitors to the 19th century former home of the MacGeough Bond family, near Moy, will once again be able to enjoy the charming atmosphere of this Victorian and Edwardian time capsule.
Some stats about the project:
- It cost more than £1.2 million, and financial assistance from Environment and Heritage Service
- The project involved 18 months of painstaking structural and renovation work to replace outdated wiring, security and fire detection systems
- All of the windows (82 in total) were removed and refurbished with great care to ensure that none of the original 1825 glass was broken
- 8 miles of electrical and electronic cabling were installed throughout the mansion
- All kinds of packaging, from bubble wrap to acid free tissue, corex board and wood were used to protect over 5,000 items during the project.
The task is nearing completion with scaffolding and packaging being removed to once again reveal the building and its contents.
'The MacGeogh Bonds would have been impressed with the conservation work' said Property Manager, Derek Forshaw. 'In line with all National Trust projects the work was carried out to preserve the original identity of the house – so you may not instantly notice how the £1.2 million has been invested!'
'All of the major contractors were local providing a good boost to the Northern Ireland Economy,' continued Derek. 'For example the carpet in the dining room, which has a complicated pattern involving over 14 colours, is being re-woven by Ulster Carpet Mills in Portadown as a replica of the original. A piece that had been underneath furniture has been removed to get the colours as accurate as possible and the carpet should be fitted in June . Also of interest is the acetylene gas plant which provided energy for the house and is still in working order. One of the gas light fittings in the pantry area has been connected up to electricity to replicate the sort of light that the acetylene gas would have given.'
Whilst packing up for the project many fascinating artefacts came to light again. Always on the inventory but never on show many of these items will be revealed on Hidden Treasures day and staff will be on hand to tell the stories behind them. The Red Bedroom will also be on show to visitors later in the year. This room has never been decorated in the Trust’s time nor been on view to the public before.
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