Renovating the exterior of the Tower of the Winds

A close up of the Tower of the Winds covered in scaffolding

Cocooned in a specially designed octagonal scaffold structure, with a protective roof and weatherproof sheeting, the Tower of the Winds stands as eye-catching as ever in its more vulnerable state.

As one of the most dominant and important monuments in Shugborough’s Grade 1 listed parkland, its conservation has been a priority for the Trust for some years and we have been planning the work required. Paint analysis has shown that a cocktail of limewash and oil-based paint was previously used which has resulted in the patchy exterior we see today.

In 2019, areas of the surface were cleaned off and new limewash paint samples were applied. Over the last 18 months we’ve monitored these samples to determine performed best and is most suitable for re-painting the entire structure.

Tower of the Winds before renovation work began
Tower of the Winds before renovation work began, showing dilapidated condition of the exterior with patches of paint.
Tower of the Winds before renovation work began

The work will include the following:

  • High pressure steaming to remove the previous layers of paint
  • Render repairs and application of new paint
  • Repairs to the roofing and guttering, including water-spouts
  • Window joinery and door repairs
  • Joinery re-decoration

This project was made possible with support from generous grants and donations. Profits made by sales at our second-hand bookshop contributed around £35,000 and £80,000 came from a grant from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.