Top heritage award for Monastery boss
PAUL Griffiths, one of the key figures behind the restoration of Gorton Monastery, has won a top national heritage award.
The 59-year-old, who with his wife Elaine has dedicated the last 16 years to restoring the Pugin-designed building, was named the Heritage Alliance’s 2012 Hero at an awards ceremony in London on Thursday.
Mr Griffiths, chairman of the Monastery of St Francis and Gorton Trust,
received the hononour from TV personality Loyd Grossman and culture minister Ed Vaizey.
The Heritage Alliance represents 90 independent heritage organisations and made the award to Mr Griffiths in recognition of the work done this year to return the 12 statues of Franciscan Saints to their plinths 40ft high in the Great Nave at the Monastery.
The ‘return of the saints’ after 16 years marked another major milestone in the Trust’s work, which began in 1996, to save, restore and conserve the Grade II listed building.
The former church and friary is now used as a venue for corporate, cultural and community events with all profits ploughed back into the upkeep of the historic building. This year it was awarded the title of ‘Best UK Unusual Venue’.
Kate Pugh, chief executive of the Heritage Alliance, said of Paul Griffiths: “The Alliance knows well that volunteers are the vital lifeblood of the heritage movement and to have sustained this commitment over such a long period to revive the fortunes of Gorton Monastery is a huge achievement.”
Mr Griffiths added: “It is a great honour to accept this award on behalf of everyone involved with the Monastery and particularly special to receive it during the year we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the Franciscans in Gorton.
“It is over 16 years since we started out with the ambition to save the derelict church and friary and find a sustainable new use for this stunning Edward Welby Pugin building.”
The ‘Return of the Saints’ this year was a significant milestone in the project and this work concluded another successful chapter in the restoration and reinvention of The Monastery, Manchester’s most unique historical and architectural asset.”
