HERITAGE WORK AT LYTHAM HALL PRESERVING HISTORY THROUGH DEDICATION

Lytham Hall, an exquisite Grade I listed Georgian house designed by John Carr of York, stands as a testament to 18th-century architectural elegance. Completed in 1754 and once home to the Clifton family for over two centuries, this historic house has been lovingly restored under the care of the Lytham Town Trust. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into its storied past, with rooms furnished to reflect its rich heritage, including notable pieces of Gillow furniture.

In April 2024, The Arts Society Fylde launched a remarkable heritage project to support the Hall’s Archivist in cataloguing its treasured artefacts. This initiative marked the Society’s first major heritage undertaking in several years and was warmly embraced by Lytham Hall, where the need for a comprehensive inventory of the Hall’s contents had been identified.

Thirteen volunteers stepped forward, ready to tackle this meticulous work. Armed with enthusiasm rather than expert knowledge, the team was tasked with describing and photographing each item – from furniture and ceramics to paintings – in a systematic process. Volunteers worked in pairs, documenting artefacts in a room-by-room approach. Each piece was carefully measured, photographed, and recorded with details such as materials, decoration, and distinguishing features. The data, including a unique identifier for each item, was then passed to the Hall’s archiving team for integration into their database.

The project has made impressive progress. Volunteers have nearly completed cataloguing the ground floor rooms and are now turning their attention to the first-floor spaces. Beyond the practical contributions, the project has strengthened the connection between The Arts Society Fylde and Lytham Hall, underscoring the vital role of volunteer efforts in preserving local heritage.

This initiative reflects The Arts Society’s enduring commitment to enriching communities by safeguarding history for future generations to explore and enjoy.