Restored barn hosts the official launch of 2022 heritage awards
The 2022 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards has been officially launched.
The awards – of which this newspaper is media partner – celebrate the very best of conservation, restoration and good design of newly built projects across Sussex, as well as encouraging the use of traditional skills and crafts.
The 2022 awards were launched at Drew’s Barn, part of the world-famous Warnham Deer Park in Horsham, which won two heritage awards last year after being restored by Jonathan and Caroline Lucas.
To be restored, the 350-year-old dilapidated barn was dismantled and assessed, with any replacement timbers crafted from green-oak milled from die-back trees within the park.
Speaking at the launch, Simon Knight, chairman of Sussex Heritage Trust, said: “The achievement of Jonathan and Caroline Lucas in the restoration of Drew’s Barn is exemplary, showcasing imaginative and thoughtful construction.
“The launch of the 2022 Sussex Heritage Trust Awards is an important occasion to mark the very best of architecture and design. This, of course, would not be possible without our new headline sponsor Irwin Mitchell, who I thank alongside all our friends and sponsors of the awards.”
The launch event, sponsored by Toovey’s, confirmed Irwin Mitchell’s sponsorship of the awards.
Lee Harding, head of business development, said:“We have a proud history of supporting the legal and financial needs of families and businesses across Sussex and beyond. We are delighted to be headline sponsors of the prestigious Sussex Heritage Trust Awards and be at the forefront of supporting craftmanship and heritage in thiscounty.”
The Sussex Heritage Trust Awards will be presented by president of the trust Lord Egremont on Wednesday, July 6 at Pangdean Old Barn, Pyecombe. Sussex Heritage Trust is a registered charity established in 1977 to preserve, improve and encourage the appreciation of the architectural and natural landscape of Sussex.
The annual awards celebrate a wide variety of architectural and landscape projects, building craft and a Sussex Heritage Person of the Year. For more details about the awards, including a list of 2021 winners, visit www.sussexheritagetrust. org.uk or email office@ sussexheritagetrust.org.uk