Restoring the glory

Conservation at height

Much of the conservation work within the Town Hall has been carried out up high, on scaffolding. This meant that conservators could reach all the painted decoration that covers the walls and ceilings. Once up there, they removed dirt and old varnishes. This revealed the stunning colours and patterns beneath.

The redevelopment project has turned back the clock in many rooms. So now, visitors can experience them as they were when the building first opened in 1871.

In here, glazed wooden partitions were added in the 1930s, creating new corridors. The wooden corridor has been removed so you can now see how the room was meant to look.

Fixing furniture

When the Town Hall opened it was fully furnished with bespoke furniture designed and created by local maker William Snowden. This furniture has been restored as part of the redevelopment project.

This room was used to meet and greet visitors. It was also a dining and meeting room, originally furnished with a large, highly decorative table and chairs.

Conservation volunteers worked to restore twelve of these formal chairs. They are made of oak and are covered in green leather. Each one also has a Rochdale coat of arms on the back. The chairs were cleaned and damaged wood was retouched and finished with wax.