A solicitors firm is helping to preserve the history and heritage of one of Walsall’s most famous sons by restoring his birthplace to its former glory.
It looked like the former home of famous writer Jerome K Jerome - best known for his work Three Men in a Boat - might be lost forever when a museum based at the premises and dedicated to the author closed last year.
The building on Bradford Street called Belsize House was in a poor dilapidated condition until Edmunds and Co Solicitors took it on as its base and moved in at the end of last year.
The company has since given the building both an exterior and interior makeover, decorating the walls in traditional Victorian colours and drafting in furniture from the time, costing £150,000.
Jon O’Brien, financial manager, said: “We wanted to restore the building to its former glory and also give the building a traditional Victorian feel.
“We are very aware of how important Jerome K Jerome is to the people of Walsall and knew the history of the building.
“When the building was available we knew we would have to go for it. We wanted to refurbish it in a traditional Victorian way and hope to display memorabilia relating to the great man.”
The Jerome K Jerome Museum which opened in July 1984 closed last year after Walsall Council withdrew its grant.
One Comment
Shame on the council who have know idea about HERITAGE in Walsall. Phillistines is a word that comes to mind regarding that view.
All glory to those who have taken over. I was shown around last week by the owners and it is lovely !!! CONGRATS to one and all and I hope the Victorian refurbishment becomes a great tribute to the man himself - JKJ.