Alston Moor Partnership will recreate the Victorian frontage of a watchmaker and jewellery shop ran by Thomas Bramwell in the 1860s, at Ryder House, on Front Street.
It is one of 11 architecturally important buildings within Alston’s conservation area, on Front Street and Market Street, which will undergo refurbishment over the next four years.
Original owner Thomas Bramwell was also a photographer, and sold many of his images of local landscapes from the shop.
After his death in 1907, the shop was run by his son until 1925, when it became J.H. Hodgkinson the chemist. It has been used as a cafe in more recent times.
Old photos of Ryder House show the shop front window divided into three curved top panes, which are still visible today. They are to be reinstated by a specialist carpenter, who will also refurbish some of the building’s original joinery. The work is due to be completed in the autumn.
Project manager Jennifer Campbell said the Alston Townscape Heritage Scheme is working with owners of other historic buildings, and work is set to be carried out on two more properties this year.
She added: “It’s fantastic to see actual improvements to the properties starting to happen. This is a great start towards enhancing the historic townscape of Alston by restoring and reinstating historic features and details to many properties.”
The initiative comes after the partnership secured funding from the National Lottery’s Heritage Lottery Fund, Eden District Council and Alston Moor Parish Council.
As part of the scheme, a varied programme of heritage events is set to be rolled out over the next four years.
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