Grade-I listed Heaton Hall is currently undergoing works to restore it to its former glory. Here's 25 pictures from inside the hall - including images from within the derelict West Wing.
The paintings in the billard room are by Polish artist Michael Novosielski. They couldn't be removed from the walls without damanging them, so they were not sold off in any of the sales of the hall's furniture. Novosielski was primarily a theatre scene painter and these are the only set of his works known to have survived.
Located in the heart of Heaton Park, Heaton Hall was built between 1772 and 1789. The building and surrounding parklands were bought by Manchester Corporation in 1902, the main purpose of which was to use the grounds as open space in a growing city.
Althought it was formerly available for weddings and functions, as a result of budget cutbacks in recent years the building has been closed to the public but its fortunes are now changing.
Over the last two years Historic England, previously known as English Heritage, has worked with Manchester City Council to complete essential work to the building. Work to install new windows on the ground floor will soon be completed, and there have also been repairs to the roof and stonework. The Friends of Heaton Hall, a volunteer group dedicated to the preservation and the restoration of the building, have started opening up the building to the public for regular tours.
Time Out Manchester recently went behind the scenes to see both the restored sections of the hall and the derelict west wing of the building.
Discover Time Out original video
