When it comes to the art of restoration, there's something deeply satisfying about bringing an old house back to life. This is a sentiment that Polly Powell, daughter of renowned architect Geoffrey Powell, knows all too well. Her latest project, Makers' House in Ramsgate, is a testament to her passion for preserving the past while creating a vibrant future.
A Labor of Love
Polly's journey with Makers' House began with a faded Georgian pile that had seen better days. It had been through the ringer, serving as a sea captain's home, an air raid shelter, and even a veterinary practice. But Polly saw beyond the neglect. She envisioned a creative haven where communities could gather and connect through the act of making.
Uncovering Hidden Treasures
The restoration process was a labor-intensive affair, but it yielded some incredible discoveries. As Polly peeled back the layers of plastic added during the house's veterinary days, she uncovered original fireplaces and intricate paneling. But the most exciting find was an 1820s staircase, hidden for years and preserved almost perfectly.
"There's just something... solid, meaningful. You look at them and you think, 'Good God, somebody carved that fireplace.'" - Polly Powell
Preserving the Past, Embracing the Present
While some parts of the house required careful restoration, others needed a more imaginative approach. The original Georgian bow-front, long since collapsed, was replaced with a simpler Edwardian design. However, a small stained-glass roundel, with its soft sea-green center, served as a charming reminder of the house's nautical past. Polly embraced this detail, choosing to follow the green thread in her renovation decisions.
A Community Hub
Makers' House is more than just a beautifully restored building. It's a creative hub where authors, artists, and readers can come together and immerse themselves in the act of making. The residential workshops, hosted by celebrated textile artists like Jessie Cutts, offer a unique opportunity for hands-on learning and community building.
"The courses and the gallery are really about growing our community... It's really lovely to actually meet in the flesh." - Polly Powell
A Celebration of Craft and Community
In May 2027, Batsford Books, the publishing house Polly now owns, will launch the Ramsgate Festival of Craft. This town-wide initiative will showcase the best of Ramsgate's maritime heritage and culture of making. It's a celebration of skill, community, and the power of craft to bring people together.
The Value of Making in a Digital Age
Polly believes that the renewed interest in craft in Britain is a response to our increasingly digital world. In an age where instant gratification reigns, the act of making offers a much-needed pause. It's an opportunity to ponder, to learn through our hands, and to connect with something deeper.
"The book is an incredibly useful, relatively small, portable thing that doesn't need a power source... It's a chance to ponder and pause - to rest, in a way that you just can't online." - Polly Powell
A Place Where Past and Present Converge
Makers' House is a living testament to the power of restoration. It's a place where the past and the present quietly converge, where the rediscovered staircases and accumulated histories provide a fitting backdrop for creative exploration. It's a space where the old and the new come together, creating something truly special.
"It is not simply restored, but reactivated - a place where the past and the present quietly converge." - Polly Powell
