Members of The Pugin Society were welcomed at Dover's historic Maison Dieu (Dover Town Hall) for a special behind the scenes tour on Friday 28 June.

http://www.thepuginsociety.co.uk/

Augustus Pugin (1812-1852) was one of the most influential architects and designers of the Victorian age. A key figure in the Gothic Revival movement he was a passionate advocate for a return to the architecture and design of the Middle Ages and was an important influence on William Burges, whose Neo-gothic decorative scheme is currently being reinstated at the Maison Dieu.

The two men knew each other and Burges' notebooks, held at the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Archive in London, note several visits by him to The Grange.

Pugin is famous for the intricate and lavish interiors he designed for the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament) and the world-famous Elizabeth Tower, which houses Big Ben.

He also designed his own house, The Grange, in Ramsgate, overlooking the sea. Painstakingly restored to its former glory by The Landmark Trust, it is now let out as holiday accommodation.

https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/search-and-book/properties/grange-8160/#Overview

Pugin was also the architect and designer of St Augustine's Church next door to The Grange, which now includes the Shrine of St Augustine and the National Pugin Centre, and is where Pugin himself is buried.

https://www.augustine-pugin.org.uk/

Members of the Pugin Society donned hard hats and hi-vis jackets to take part in an in-depth tour of the Maison Dieu, including a climb up the bird's nest scaffold to see work in progress by conservators from Arte Conservation of Faversham, to reinstate the William Burges decorative scheme on the Connaught Hall ceiling. This was a real highlight for many.

We very much look forward to building strong and ongoing links with the Pugin Society and St Augustine's, including joint events and a suggested East Kent Neo-gothic trail, as well as continuing a very positive existing partnership with The Landmark Trust, whose latest holiday accommodation will open in the Mayor's Parlour suite at the Maison Dieu next year.

Pictured: Pugin Society members admiring work by Arte Conservation to reinstate William Burges' decorative scheme on the Connaught Hall ceiling, including a recently completed panel depicting a wyvern dragon.