HERITAGE WORK AT LYTHAM HALL PRESERVING HISTORY THROUGH DEDICATION

Volunteering at Lytham Hall: Bringing History to Life

About a year ago, The Arts Society Fylde (TASF) committee decided it was time to embark on a heritage project—something we hadn’t done in years. After some discussion, Lytham Hall was identified as the perfect partner, and when approached, the team there warmly welcomed our help. Their request? A comprehensive inventory of all the items in the Hall. It was an ambitious challenge, but one we were eager to tackle. With no requirement for expert knowledge, volunteers quickly stepped forward, and our team began work in April.

The Task: Cataloguing the Past

Volunteers paired up to tackle individual rooms, armed with forms provided by the Hall. These forms guided the detailed descriptions of each item: color, materials, decoration, size, distinguishing marks, and more. Items were photographed using smartphones, given unique numbers based on their location, and passed on to the Hall’s archivists for entry into the database.

Far from being just a simple recording exercise, the project has opened up a fascinating window into the Hall’s history. Volunteers have shared their experiences, bringing to life the joy and insight gained through their work:

“It’s been great to take part in the project, so much more than just cataloguing It is interesting to learn the history of the Hall and to have an insight into the people who lived there and to look at the artefacts that were part of their daily lives. Makes the past come alive.” – DF

“An opportunity has arisen to assist in logging all the items, furniture, paintings, ornaments, etc., located in Lytham Hall. This project is not only interesting but informative for all the volunteers involved. Recording items provides a hands-on opportunity to study artefacts and other items more fully than one would normally do.” – LH

 

A Glimpse Into the Hall’s Treasures

For many volunteers, the appeal lies in the opportunity to step behind the scenes of a historic home:

“I joined the team recording the artefacts at Lytham Hall because I have always liked visiting historic houses and sites and seeing the way people used to live. When at Lytham Hall I am able to learn more about the furniture and objects and even handle them when it is necessary to make a full description. I thoroughly enjoy my Thursday mornings at Lytham Hall, especially as I know we are making a contribution towards the life of the house.” – LB

“My impressions of Lytham Hall since starting as a volunteer is that it is a treasure trove of Clifton family furniture, paintings, photographs, and objets d’art. The whole effect is a delightful and accessible family home. It is an interesting project; being part of a group, we exchange knowledge, ideas, and share research. And we are learning some of the fascinating history of the Hall and the Clifton family.” – AC

 

Friendships, Insights, and a Few Temptations

The camaraderie among volunteers is another highlight, as friendships form over shared discoveries:

“When I first enrolled as volunteer archivist, I didn’t know what to expect, but it sounded interesting. It is a privilege to work in such beautiful surroundings. Everybody at the Hall is really grateful we are doing the work, even if our descriptions may not use ‘antique terms,’ thank goodness for photographic evidence! I have enjoyed making friends with other volunteers. One drawback is walking through the Garden Hub every week—I have to keep tight hold of my credit card.” – CS

 

Get Involved

If you’re curious about becoming a part of this rewarding project, why not give it a try? We meet on Thursday mornings from 10 am to 12 pm at Lytham Hall. Come along for a sample session to see what it’s all about. There’s no obligation to attend every week, and the project will continue for as long as it takes. Simply let me know if you’re interested, and I’ll be there to welcome you.

Together, we’re not just cataloguing items—we’re preserving history and making it accessible for future generations.