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Golden Lion Cannon Hill

I would think the introduction of French doors at the back were not really just" to make building safe and secure". They had a purpose. I hope the purpose is one associated with the history of the building
 
Thinking a bit more about this, the renovations (all highly welcomed) are intended simply to make the building watertight. But surely, in the interim, it could still be used as a simple cafe/refreshments point with useful outside seating area linked to the building. It needs to have a vision for future use, otherwise its wasted money. And going forward, it won't support itself unless some income can be generated.
 
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mikejee said:
The Golden Lion renovation work is apparently likely to be complete soon. the Trust is offering tours of the building (at a price)

www.eventbrite.co.uk

Scaffolding Tour of the Golden Lion in Cannon Hill Park

A unique chance to get a close-up look at this early 17th century timber-framed building while restoration is in progress.
www.eventbrite.co.uk www.eventbrite.co.uk
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hi mike reading the report its only in renovation mode...i think it will be a while before its fully completed however its great news that at last this building is getting the attention it deserves

lyn
 
A very postive step in the right direction with paid tours funding further work. Well done to Birmingham Conservation Trust and those renovating the GL. We've been watching this hoping it can be saved in time.
 
I popped out today to take a look at the Golden Lion in Cannon Hill Park. This Grade II listed building was built in the 16th century and has survived attacks from both Royalists in the English Civil Wars and, later, from suffragettes.

It was relocated to the city's Cannon Hill Park in 1911, where it was erected as a shelter with an open back and no windows on the first floor. In recent years, however, it fell into disrepair and became shrouded in scaffolding.

The first stage of the renovation—making the building wind- and weather-tight—is now almost complete. By sheer coincidence, the contractor called onto the site while I was there, so I had quite a long chat with him. We discussed the principle of honest renovation: all of the new work—replacement timber, leadwork, and so on—is boldly on show, not hidden.

The glass in the front is particularly interesting. It was bought from a glassmaker who ceased trading in the late ’50s but had held on to the last batch of this style. It bore a striking resemblance to the wartime glass that was fitted to bomb-damaged houses in WWII.

All of the leadwork on the fountain heads is sand-cast lead, done in the same way as a church roof. The laths for the plasterwork were made from riven oak, and the infill was lime plaster, as was the repointing. The building can breathe again now.

I was very impressed by the quality of the workmanship. It was both a showcase and a timely reminder of the value of the construction industry—and the skilled tradespeople who work in it.

Golden-Lion-1.jpgGolden-Lion-2.jpgGolden-Lion-3.jpgGolden-Lion-4.jpg
 
It is great that it has been renovated properly and well. Initially it does look very colourful but I do remember an old friend who worked in the museum telling me that in real life buildings were not the pale black and white in which they are now so often painted
 
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Yes Mike. I think the timbers were originally left to weather. It wasn't until much later that they were painted. I expect the original unpainted timbers would have been treated with something (I don't know what) to preserve them otherwise surely they'd have rotted.
 
mikejee said:
It is great that it has been renovated properly and well. Initially it does look very colourful but I do remember an old friend who worked in the museum telling me that in real life buildings were not the pale black and white in which they are now so often painted
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Spot on Mike, the practice of paining timber framed building black and white started in the mid-19th century and was a result of so-called renovation work. It was responsible for a lot of damage causing the timber to rot due to entrapped water. I though it looked naff too.

Originally the panels would have limewash applied, often tinted with natural pigments in soft earth tones. The timbers were often left unpainted to weather naturally. They say that if you give oak a good hat and boots only it will last for several hundred years.

Occasionally both beams and panels were limewashed. The architect in charge of this renovation did originally specify for the builder to do this, but it seems common sense prevailed.
 
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Vivienne14 said:
Yes Mike. I think the timbers were originally left to weather. It wasn't until much later that they were painted. I expect the original unpainted timbers would have been treated with something (I don't know what) to preserve them otherwise surely they'd have rotted.
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Viv untreated oak is exceptionally durable as long as you keep water out of the end grain. Its why timber framed building had wide softs and a stone plinth.
 
this is great news sparks :) ...lovely to see that a lot of original features has been saved..so pleased people are queuing up to take it on..a pub would have been lovely but given its location i think that is doubtful..i always thought a little museum would have been nice but we shall see...

lyn
 
I think it should be a community facility linked to park activities and integrated into park functions/events. There are potentially a wealth of leisure possibilities plus it's history to interest and attract visitors. And it surely has good footfall being well-placed in the park. But it'll need joint, sound community and commercial support - can't rely on local government for support any more.
 
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