We have launched our biggest ever public consultation to decide the future of Vanbrugh’s greatest masterpiece.
Seaton Delaval Hall, its gardens, grounds and a large area of countryside in south Northumberland near Blyth, is the focus of an urgent nationwide appeal to save the Hall and its surroundings and transform them into a major cultural centre, available to everyone, for the locality and the nation.
We believe the property and grounds could also be a powerful engine for regeneration and sustainable development for the area and would provide its neighbouring communities with an invaluable green lung for relaxation and enjoyment.
Romantic and partly-ruined, Seaton Delaval Hall was built between 1718 and 1731 by Sir John Vanbrugh, architect of Blenheim Palace and Castle Howard, and is widely said be the finest work of the English Baroque and one of the most important historic houses in Britain.
In a radical and unprecedented departure from previous acquisitions, we are now asking the public to decide how you would like to use the Hall, gardens and grounds and to become an active part of the planning and fundraising.
We are ready to put forward more than £6m from our own resources to provide an endowment to look after the house and surrounding parkland in perpetuity. However, a further £6m must be raised by January – half from public grants, and half through an appeal and other fundraising – if the property is to be saved for the nation.
Our trustees have made clear that without public support, both in terms of fundraising and the public demonstrating a desire for the acquisition to take place, they will not proceed with the acquisition.
To build support, the Trust plans to work closely with local community groups, schools, clubs and societies to involve everyone in the widest possible fundraising campaign and to discuss the future use of the property.
The Newcastle Journal has already got behind the appeal by pledging to appeal to its readers to join forces and raise £1 million.
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Fiona Reynolds, Director-General of the Trust, said:
'Seaton Delaval has been at the heart of the local community for centuries and we want the public to tell us what its future should be. There are many exciting possibilities for its use – as an exhibition space, a base for community activities, a venue for concerts and entertainment, for sporting events, and as a green lung, offering infinite opportunities and community projects across the wider estate. However, none of this can happen without the public’s support to help raise the money to save Seaton Delaval. We only have until the end of this year to raise the money needed to secure it. We are asking everyone locally, regionally and across the nation, to tell us: ‘What do you want the future of Seaton Delaval to be?’ and more important still – ‘Will you help?’'
Lord Hastings said:
'My father spent many years restoring Seaton Delaval Hall and its gardens and putting together the collection within the House. He was very supportive of public access to the land and coast owned by the Estate. I am very keen to see his vision continued and to safeguard the future of the house therefore I would like to give the National Trust every opportunity to acquire the property.'
David Ronn, the Trust’s Regional Director for the North East, added:
'Because of the 1822 fire, Seaton is no typical country house. It promises to be a fantastic and romantic venue for all sorts of activities. We want everyone to get involved in deciding its use – but first we want them to help us save it.'
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Support is already on hand from local authorities. Councillor Dave Stephens, leader of Blyth Valley Borough council, said:
'Seaton Delaval Hall can do for us what the Alnwick Garden has done for our neighbours to the north, or even the famous Guggenheim museum did for Bilbao. It is a huge opportunity and we should all support it.'
John Bridge, chairman of the National Trust in the North East, said:
'This is a big challenge for the region, but I am sure the North East will rise to it. Seaton Delaval Hall played an amazing role in the birth of the industrial North East. We now have the opportunity to make it once again a dynamo for the future of the region. The North East relishes challenges – they don’t come much bigger than this.'
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