Plasterwork designed by Andrew Mazzei has been found during the restoration of the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
The plaster had been covered up many years ago but has survived along with its original mirrors.
It has now been completely restored and re-painted to form the new Café area serving the Floral Hall and the core of the complex.
The discovery was made during a £1.25m restoration project.
The Winter Gardens, famous for hosting political conferences, concerts, exhibitions and even the Royal Variety Performance, is a Grade II listed building located in the heart of Blackpool’s town centre.
Funded by Blackpool Council, North West Development Agency (NWDA) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the first phase of work has seen restoration take place on the Church Street entrance, rotunda and the floral hall.
Andrew Mazzei, was the art director of the Gaumont Film Company.
Winter Gardens investment for the future
In March 2010 Blackpool Council purchased the iconic Winter Gardens building in the heart of Blackpool’s town centre along with Blackpool Tower, Louis Tussauds Waxworks and the Golden Mile Centre.
Cllr Peter Callow, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “It’s a wonderful building but in recent times it’s just not had the investment it needs and many parts of the building have started to fall into disrepair” .
The vast majority of the restoration work has been carried out by contractors based on the Fylde Coast.
Conservation architects, Donald Insall Associates, were contracted to create the restoration designs.
Cllr Callow added: ” We want to ensure a long term sustainable use for the Winter Gardens, so that it helps to bring jobs into Blackpool.”
The Winter Gardens was built on the six-acre Bank Hey Estate and officially opened on 11th July 1878.
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