Some of Britain’s leading and best-known architects have today joined forces in an attempt to rescue Sir John Vanbrugh’s last masterpiece for the public.
In an open letter published today, Lord Rogers, Will Alsop and Ptolemy Dean join more than 25 prominent architects from across the UK in calling for Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland to be preserved for the public.
In it, they claim that while other Vanbrugh masterpieces such as Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace have become well-loved national treasures, Seaton Delaval is at risk of being forgotten and put up for private sale.
Calling the hall a 'landmark of the English Baroque,' the letter reveals that unless £3 million can be raised by the public, Seaton Delaval is at risk of being sold and turned into a hotel or private accommodation.
'Quite simply, there is no place like it,' the letter reads. 'Designed in 1719, but gutted by fire a century later, the Hall’s ability to captivate and inspire remains clear to all who see it. The grandeur of its stern, coal-stained façade fits its rugged setting on the Northumberland coast perfectly.
'But while Vanbrugh’s other great buildings, Castle Howard and Blenheim Palace, have become well-recognised and well-loved national treasures, Seaton Delaval now stands more vulnerable than ever.'
The letter comes as our campaign to save and shape the future of the hall enters the final 100 days of its campaign.
Designed in 1719, Seaton Delaval Hall in Northumberland was Vanbrugh’s final masterpiece, completed as it was two years after the influential architect and one-time successful playwright died. By then, its patron, diplomat and naval admiral George Delaval, had also died and the house was passed down through the family.
When the 22nd Baron Hastings died last year, his son inherited the hall and approached us in the hope it could buy and protect the property for the public.
Liz Fisher, Area Manager for the National Trust, said:
'When fire threatened to destroy Seaton Delaval in 1822, 200 villagers turned out to fight the flames – and it is that public spirit that the hall needs again right now.
'As a country house, it is a forgotten gem of British Architecture and, as such, it is hugely important that it is saved and preserved in a way that the public can enjoy.
'The National Trust is doing all it can to raise the £6.3 million needed to save the hall, its gardens and landscape. At least £3 million of this is needed from public donations. We have also launched our biggest ever consultation to find out what people would like us to do with the building if we are successful. But we still need more help.
'For the next 100 days, we as a nation have the opportunity to buy this wonderful hall and protect it for the benefit of generations to come.
'Without that final £3 million, however, the hall will be sold privately and will almost certainly be lost to the public, possibly forever.'
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