Ambitious fundraiser by 78 Derngate asks fans to donate £100 each to improve attraction

In six months' time, one of Northampton's tourist attractions is hoping to raise £200,000 to extend its premise.
By Carly Roberts
Published 26th Feb 2019, 13:31 BST
Updated 26th Feb 2019, 15:55 BST

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The theatrical lounge/hall was the point of entry into the house from the street. The room is most famous for its medievalist candelabrum, yellow and black geometric graphics and panels of decorative leaded glass to brighten the stairway from the kitchen downstairs.The theatrical lounge/hall was the point of entry into the house from the street. The room is most famous for its medievalist candelabrum, yellow and black geometric graphics and panels of decorative leaded glass to brighten the stairway from the kitchen downstairs.
The theatrical lounge/hall was the point of entry into the house from the street. The room is most famous for its medievalist candelabrum, yellow and black geometric graphics and panels of decorative leaded glass to brighten the stairway from the kitchen downstairs.

The Grade II listed Georgian house – adjoining 80 Derngate – has been open to visitors in its current guise since 2003, following a £1.4 million restoration project.

The 78 Derngate Northampton Trust has been managing the building since 1998 - after it was given to them on a 100-year lease from the borough council.

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Before its time historic Art-Deco house is a Northampton treasure not to be miss...
Architect drawings show the proposed atrium extension.Architect drawings show the proposed atrium extension.
Architect drawings show the proposed atrium extension.

Now the trust has launched an ambitious fundraising appeal to extend the atrium area - the open-roofed entrance hall - to make way for a bigger shopping area and a new tea room.

It has already been granted £200,000 from Northampton Borough Council, but the trust believe they can match fund the sum.

The aim is to secure the monry by the summer and bosses at 78 Derngate are asking supporters to donate £100 each.

For each £100 the donors’ names will be recognised on the engraved glass panelling located in the new atrium.

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The dazzling furniture and decor of the guest bedroom were designed by Mr Mackintosh - with the blue light shades giving a nod to bluebells.The dazzling furniture and decor of the guest bedroom were designed by Mr Mackintosh - with the blue light shades giving a nod to bluebells.
The dazzling furniture and decor of the guest bedroom were designed by Mr Mackintosh - with the blue light shades giving a nod to bluebells.

Donations can be Gift Aided, paid for at reception or online through the secure portal here.

The new extension will also make way for better disabled access, a bigger storage area andr reception and will free up the pantry in 78 for visitor viewing - which bosses say will increase revenue and reduce running costs.

Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh was asked to work on the terraced house in 1916 by Northampton-born model maker Wenman Joseph Bassett-Lowke - though Mr Mackintosh did not ever visit the house in person.

The house’s later history saw it pass out of the hands of the Bassett-Lowke family. By 1964, it was the base for Northampton High School.

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The lattice works of the walls in the landing, outside the bathroom and couples' bedroom, reflects the hall screen and changes from black to white from the lounge/hall. Pictures: Kirsty Edmonds.The lattice works of the walls in the landing, outside the bathroom and couples' bedroom, reflects the hall screen and changes from black to white from the lounge/hall. Pictures: Kirsty Edmonds.
The lattice works of the walls in the landing, outside the bathroom and couples' bedroom, reflects the hall screen and changes from black to white from the lounge/hall. Pictures: Kirsty Edmonds.

When the school sold the site, a campaign was launched, backed by the Charles Rennie Mackintosh Society, to enable its preservation and restoration; a dream which came true thanks to the work of the 78 Derngate Northampton Trust and financial support from Heritage Lottery funding.

Related topics:NorthamptonDerngateGeorgianGrade II