FURNITURE from the past is set to turn back the clocks at Heaton Hall.

Candelabras, chairs and tables fit for an Earl will now grace the rooms of the historic 18th century Heaton Hall.

Restoration work to the Grade One listed building has received a welcome boost thanks to a seven-year loan of rare antique furniture by the Department of Culture.

The scoop means that visitors to the hall, designed in 1772 by architect James Wyatt, will be able to take a 200 year trip back in time and experience the lifestyle of the hall's original owner, Sir Thomas Egerton.

The neo-classical house was stripped of its stately furnishings when Manchester Town Hall bought it at the turn of the century and sold its contents at auction.

That short-sightedness meant Manchester Art Galleries have struggled for the past 15 years to acquire suitable pieces for restoration work to its interior. But, in an amazing twist of fate, 80 pieces of furniture, including mahogany dining chairs and sofas, were acquired by the Government in 1970 when it bought a Suffolk stately home also designed by Wyatt. Heveningham Hall was later sold but its new owners failed to secure the original furniture for display after talks broke down with the Government over public access to the treasures.

Now, following months of talks, Heaton Hall has secured the precious contents.

Curator Miss Ruth Shrigley said: "We have been negotiating for two years and these are very important pieces in terms of the history of furniture.

"It is the fact that they have come from a hall designed by Wyatt that will really bring the hall alive.

"This is is part of a much bigger project and we are already restoring furniture from our own collection."

It will take several years before all 80 pieces of furniture are in place.

"Do Not Touch" signs will be removed from parts of the hall for a very special tour.

People with visual impairments will be invited to feel their way around some of the plush furnishings next Thursday, September 24, on a touch and sound tour.

Contact 0161 236 5244 Ext 150 for more information.

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