Historic ceiling designed by famous Middleton architect to be restored

The decorative Edgar Wood ceiling in Hopwood Hall manor

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A historic ceiling on the verge of collapse that was designed by a famous Middleton architect has become the subject of a rescue and restore mission.

The intricately detailed ceiling in the Grade-II* listed Hopwood Hall, designed by Edgar Wood, had fallen victim to damage over the decades, succumbing to dry rot.

The old hall dates back to feudal days, and still retains many structural and architectural features from the 14th century right until present day.

Born in Middleton in 1860, Middleton’s most famous son became a revolutionary creative force, designing a number of listed buildings both in his hometown and further afield.

Hopwood DePree, an actor/producer from Los Angeles whose ancestral home is the 12th century manor, has an exclusive legal agreement with the council to enable him to have up to five years to rescue before he assumes full possession of his ancestral home, which has lay vacant for 30 years and is now on Historic England’s 'At Risk' register.

After seeing the extent of the damage to the Edgar Wood ceiling, both Hopwood and curator Bob Wall conducted an emergency rescue mission, removing the mouldings to preserve them and prevent further damage.

Over the years, Bob has religiously saved every single piece of plaster that has crumbled from the walls, in the hope that they can be restored, or at least inspire a replica.

Eventually, it is hoped the decorative ceiling will also be restored.