News Stories: Barnett Hill

Barnett Hill helps Blackheath Church appeal

28 Apr 2009

Barnett Hill played host in late April to a fundraising event for the Mural Restoration Appeal at St Martin's Church in Blackheath.

Use of the Queen Anne-style mansion was given to the appeal free of charge, with food sold at cost price to attendees. 156 guests attended the Saturday night event, which began with a sparkling wine reception, before an evening buffet and entertainment preceded and auction and raffle.

The Murals at St Martin's Church were painted by American-born artist Anna Lea Merritt between 1893 and 1895. Recognition in England for Anna Lea Merritt came in 1890 when her painting ‘Love Locked Out' was purchased by the Chantry Bequest for the Tate Gallery collection, where it still hangs today - the first work by a woman artist to be presented to the nation and all the more remarkable at the time since it depicted a nude.

The murals in the church have survived over 110 years in remarkably good condition overall, but damage has occurred which needs attention, and the fabric of the building must also be made more secure to protect them from any future deterioration. The appeal needs to raise £75,000 to carry out this essential work.

General Manager Tim Hall was only too happy to help the appeal. "We employ a significant number of people from the local area, so are only too happy to help community projects where we can," explained Tim. "It was a privilege to assist the Mural Restoration Appeal by donating use of our facilities, and forgoing any profit on the food consumed at the event so that the organisers could raise more money for the appeal."

The event at Barnett Hill raised over £8,000 for the Appeal.

More about the Mural Restoration Appeal can be found at www.wonershchurch.com