Unlocking a Century-Old Mystery: What are the Secrets Hidden in Sandown Town Hall?
Nestled on the South Eastern coast of the Isle of Wight, Sandown is a traditional coastal town steeped in history and adorned with natural beauty. Its journey through time is intertwined with the captivating tale of Sandown Town Hall, a building that has borne witness to centuries of local history, community events, and an enchanting mystery that lay hidden for decades.
As you peel back the layers of Sandown, you’ll find yourself captivated by the rich tapestry of history that lies right in front of your eyes. The Town Hall is not open to visitors during the refurbishment works, but you are able to enjoy the architecture from outside.
Sandown’s roots can be traced back to the Roman times when it served as a settlement on the island, with nearby Brading being an important trading harbour. However, it truly started to flourish during the Victorian era when it became a popular seaside resort due to it’s soft clean sand and relatively sheltered position. The advent of the railway in 1864 connected Sandown to London, marking a significant turning point in its history.
Sandown’s Timeless Charm
Sandown Town Hall’s Rich Legacy
On the face of it, Sandown can seem like a small traditional British seaside town, with it’s stunning beaches, family friendly attractions and enduring pier.
However, nestled on Grafton Lane, a small back road, a few blocks back from the beach, Sandown Town Hall, an architectural gem, is home to a fascinating secret and stands as a testament to the rich history of Sandown. This imposing structure, constructed in 1869, was not only a centre for civic activities but also a historical treasure with a captivating past.
The building adapted to various uses over time, including serving as an indoor bowls centre for senior citizens and later as a youth center. Its latter use continued until the building was vacated in June 2017.
A fire station was completed on an adjacent site to the south of the town hall in 1879. Following substantial population growth, largely associated with the fishing industry, Sandown became an urban district in 1894, with the Town Hall as its headquarters.
The Town Hall also played a role as an events venue, hosting performances by the Sandown Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society, which was founded just before the First World War. It continued to serve as the headquarters of Sandown Urban District Council and, from 1933, of the Sandown-Shanklin Urban District Council.
Designed by the local architect Thomas Dowell, the town hall is characterised by its elegant proportions and was completed in 1869, representing the town’s aspirations and the architectural trends of its time.
The Hidden Murals by Henry Tooth
For many years, the legacy of Sandown Town Hall lay within its architectural grandeur and the remarkable Victorian ceiling. However, the hall held an even more enchanting secret, hidden beneath layers of time.
Local art curator, Simon Avery, suggested in July 2020 that the town hall might still contain hidden murals by the Victorian artist, Henry Tooth.
These secrets were assumed lost when plans emerged to convert the town hall into residential accommodation and sell to a developer.
But, in a mystical turn of events, the forgotten treasures began to re-emerge.
In early 2023, during a condition survey of the Town Hall, the conservation architect investigating the building’s ceiling spotted faint patterns. And, (because no cleaning has ever taken place) intricate patterns started to emerge, displaying the original wonder and beauty.
The revelation captured the town’s imagination. It was as if a long-forgotten magic spell had been cast, revealing the hidden murals and paintings that had remained concealed for decades. Whilst there are no immediate plans to restore the ceilings, this discovery has added a layer of enchantment to the town hall’s history, sparking renewed interest and wonder in the building.
A Bright Future Beckons: Restoration and Youth Program Funding for Sandown Town Hall
The Isle of Wight Council has now secured £3.1 million in funding for Sandown Town Hall’s restoration and a new youth community program – breathing new life into this precious, historic local building will begin. This funding, granted by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport promises to benefit over 200 young individuals weekly. Activities like sports, study sessions, and access to a sound studio for music practice will be made accessible.
The renovation project encompasses structural enhancements to multiple rooms, the basement, and the courtyard garden, breathing new life into the historic hall.
Built in 1869 for social amusement, recreation, and community enjoyment, Sandown Town Hall, a grade II listed landmark, will now continue to be a hub of cultural, educational, entertainment, and sporting activities for hopefully another 150 years.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Paul Coueslant @Sandown Hub for giving us permission to share his story and picture’s.
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