Imagine the delicate beauty of stained glass, painstakingly restored by artisans who've honed their craft within the hallowed halls of Windsor Castle and the Tower of London. Now, picture those same skilled hands bringing new life to a cherished historic building in Northamptonshire. That's precisely what's happening at Kettering's Cornerstone, a beloved local landmark currently undergoing a significant transformation.
Tom and George Bayliss, a dynamic uncle-nephew duo of stained glass restorers hailing from Birmingham, are playing a crucial role in the £7 million renovation of Kettering Library and Art Gallery, also known as Cornerstone. Their mission? To meticulously replace over 40 of the building's historic windows. It's a challenging task, demanding precision and patience as they navigate the often cramped conditions within the Grade-II listed structure.
The need for this extensive renovation arose from the severe weather events of 2023, which inflicted damage upon the building. Beyond the windows, the entire roof is being carefully restored using traditional Collyweston slate tiles, sourced directly from the Northamptonshire region. This commitment to local materials underscores the project's dedication to preserving the building's authentic character.
North Northamptonshire Council, the custodian of Cornerstone, proudly highlights this restoration as a prime example of the remarkable "skill and expertise" invested in the project. The Bayliss team, operating under the banner of Nick Bayliss Architectural Glass – a firm established by Tom's father – brings a wealth of experience in historic building restoration. Their impressive resume includes previous work at Hampton Court Palace, a testament to their exceptional abilities. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about replacing glass; it's about preserving history and breathing new life into these architectural gems.
Currently, the gallery and museum sections of Cornerstone remain closed due to the damage sustained, while the library has temporarily relocated to a newly constructed wing. This temporary arrangement ensures that the community continues to have access to essential library services during the renovation period.
Kettering Library first opened its doors in 1904, with an expansion in 1913 that saw the addition of an art gallery complex adjacent to the main building. Over time, a modern extension was incorporated, and the entire complex, encompassing the Manor House Museum, was unified under the name Cornerstone. The hope is that this ambitious restoration project will be successfully completed by August 2026, allowing Cornerstone to once again serve as a vibrant hub for the community.
But here's where it gets controversial... Some preservationists argue that replacing historic windows, even with meticulous replicas, diminishes the authenticity of a building. Others maintain that the original windows were beyond repair and that the new windows, crafted with traditional techniques, are the best way to ensure the building's long-term survival. What do you think? Is it better to preserve what's left of the original, even if it's damaged, or to replace it with a faithful reproduction? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
