Known locally as ‘Pugin Land’ North Staffordshire features no less than fourteen buildings still standing by the eminent English architect. The project, to be led by registered charity Urban Vision North Staffordshire (UVNS) in partnership with local volunteers and civic community groups, aims to get the community celebrating Pugin’s life, works and influences in the area and raise an awareness, understanding and appreciation of his work.

Born in 1812 AWN Pugin is considered to be one of the most prolific designers of the nineteenth century and a leading authority on Gothic Revival architecture and style during the period. Perhaps best known for his designs for the Houses of Parliament, his local legacy is best seen in the wonderful buildings of St Giles’ Church, Cheadle – better known locally as ‘Pugin’s Gem’, Alton Castle, Alton Towers, Cotton Hall and St Mary’s, Brewood.

Anne Jenkins, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund West Midlands, explained further: “These landmark buildings will provide the focus for this exciting project scheduled for 2012. It will see lots of ways for people to get involved in marking Pugin’s bicentenary and special legacy in North Staffordshire. By working with a diverse range of partners, from heritage groups to schools, youth groups to the tourist information office, civic societies to local universities, there will be something for everyone.”

Urban Vision will be leasing Lulworth House for the year-long project as exhibition space for a Pugin Centre in Cheadle Town centre. The former police station will become home to an exciting variety of activities and events to mark Pugin’s bicentenary, including:

• Free public lectures
• Arts and craft based workshops
• Archive research and genealogy workshops
• Guided tours and guide books
• Exhibitions and seminars
• A schools education programme
• Training and demonstration workshops in Victorian architecture
• Training for volunteer tour guides
• Storytelling events
• A Pugin inspired carnival with gothic inspired costumes 
• Teacher training workshops
• A community documentary

Hannah Barter, Project Leader and director of Urban Vision Enterprise CIC, said: “Pugin’s work is celebrated nationally and worldwide, and this project will make North Staffordshire a focus for celebrating the 200th anniversary of his birth. We will attract tourists, help local people to value what is on their doorstep and ensure his legacy is protected for future generations. We are delighted to be able to continue our work in North Staffordshire by leading this project on behalf of the local community.”

Notes to editors

* The HLF grant to the project Pugin 2012 Bicentenary Celebrations is for £153,100 (65% of project costs) and is a second-round pass, which means it is a confirmed award.

Heritage Lottery Fund
Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported 30,000 projects, allocating £4.7billion across the UK, including just under £340million in the West Midlands alone. To date, HLF has made 74 awards in Staffordshire Moorlands amounting to just under £4million.

Urban Vision North Staffordshire (UVNS)
For more information on the role of UVNS please see the UVNS website.

Further information

For further information, interviews and images, please contact:

HLF Press Office: Vicky Wilford, 020 7591 6046, email vickyw@hlf.org.uk

UVNS: Hannah Barter, 01782 790595, email hannah.barter@uvns.org