Major architectural reference resource under threat

Charles Brooking has rescued architectural features over the past 45 years, retrieved from national Landmark buildings to the humble terrace house and country estates to vernacular cottages.  It has been used as a teaching resource by conservation professionals, schools, architectural students, designers, crafts apprentices and private individuals for the last 23 years.

This valuable archive is considered legendary in the world of conservation.  It is unique, in that it offers a 'hands-on' experience - as nowhere else can one examine, for example, the inner workings of an 18th century sash window.    

The University of Greenwich can no longer support Charles's senior lecturing post and storage of its 250,000 artefacts. These are at present being transported from various stores to a rented barn on a country estate near Charles' Surrey home for interim storage, and to enable the Collection to be rationalised and catalogued. Had temporary accommodation not been secured, the collection would have been subject to total loss. 

The aim is to find a permanent home for the Collection (preferably in the South East region) where it can be set up as a museum and national teaching centre of excellence for those involved in the conservation, repair and study of historic buildings.

Financial assistance is urgently required to cover the substantial costs of the move and overheads to be incurred throughout the year ahead.  The Brooking Collection appeals for help by Gift-Aid or as an interest-free loan, for one year.  The Brooking Collection is a Registered Charity, No. 294368. Should you wish to make a donation, it would be greatly appreciated if the cheque could be made payable to The Brooking Architectural Museum Trust.

Sotheby's recent auction of the great players' gates and other memorabilia from the original Wembley Stadium failed to realise sufficient funds for the Collection, owing in part to the current economic situation, whereas in previous years they might have easily fetched a six-figure sum of money. These were acquired by The Brooking Architectural Museum Trust prior to demolition of the stadium in 2003. (Members may wish to see the recent BBC news coverage on the Sotheby's auction and read the entertaining article on Charles (by journalist Clare Lissaman) by 'Googling' 'The Brooking Collection').

Volunteers are also required - students and professionals - to assist with maintenance of the Collection and to enthuse the next generation with their knowledge of Britain's former, current, (and future) heritage, thus promoting the understanding of historic buildings into the 21st century.  In short, to help inspire the creation of an educational facility and museum for the public to learn from and enjoy.

Charles said: "The local South East regional branch of the CLA and its members have been brilliant in providing both a very warm welcome and overwhelming support throughout this difficult time.  Through our Trust Appeal in the CLA's recent email-newsletters, several landowning members have (very generously) come forward to offer redundant farm buildings on a temporary-to permanent basis for housing the Collection, but I have been unable to follow them up owing to time constraints in overseeing the huge removal programme - this I hope to do as soon as the move is completed.

On a positive note, the last three months have seen a time of great change for The Brooking Trust.  The original Trustees who have managed The Collection for the last 25 years have now retired and, thanks to the efforts of a pro bono Solicitor, a Limited Liability company has been formed to aid its future management.

The Collection is entering a potentially new and exciting phase, and envisages becoming a fount of inspiration for all those who seek knowledge, including young designers and apprentice craftsmen/women of the future.  With the aid of a dynamic set of new Trustees (to be appointed in the New Year) and potential 'Friends of The Brooking Collection,' once established  we hope to set about creating our vision.

In the New Year Charles is hoping to set up Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses on specialist conservation subjects at Cranleigh (see events) but, again, this will require help with funding, too.

For further information, go to www.thebrookingcollection.com