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Photograph of popular head Mrs Coleman & pupils of Hook School, 1958/9. Interviewed by Lord Bolingbroke for the job, she was at the school for 20 years. Search Hook School.

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Roy Webb wallpapering at Lydiard House, 1981

Roy Webb wallpapering at Lydiard House, 1981
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The Direct Labour Organisation of Swindon Council undertook much of the post war restoration and decoration of Lydiard House. Swindon born painter and decorator Roy Webb was at the top of the tree. He had attended Swindon College and taken his City and Guild qualification; his level of skill meant he was chosen for the most prestigious jobs.

In 1982 this included his being trusted to paper parts of the Drawing Room and State Bedroom with specially made replica wallpaper, costing £120 a roll - a huge sum at the time. The work was recorded in an article in the Swindon Evening Advertiser - Roll on! What a price which says that the works were made possible by a grant from the Museum Council for the South West and that contemporary flock wallpaper usually cost around £16.50 a roll.

Roy also had a great sense of fun and we are grateful to his family for allowing us to share some sneaky snaps of Roy wearing Lord Bolingbroke's top hat and tails.

At Lydiard Roy worked with Mick Woods, Don Elliott and identical twins - the Burkett brothers. We would love to hear from them.

Year:
1981
Type:
Photograph
Location:
Private collection
Copyright:
Friends of Lydiard Park
Credit:
The Webb family
Last updated on:
Monday 18th October 2021

Items of Interest

Wallpaper sample, 1981
Wallpaper sample, 1981

A sample of the reproduction flock wallpaper made...

Photograph of painters and decorators at Lydiard House, 1981
Photograph of painters and decorators at Lydiard House, 1981

This photograph shows the council's Direct Labour...

Roy Webb wallpapering State Rooms at Lydiard House (3) 1981
Roy Webb wallpapering State Rooms at Lydiard House (3) 1981

In 1981 Thamesdown Borough Council tasked Roy Webb...

Graffiti on salvaged roof lead
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This peace of lead roofing material was removed fr...