Milestone for restoration of iconic cone as glass dome installed
A glass dome has been added to the iconic Red House Glass Cone in a milestone moment in its restoration.
The half a tonne dome, measuring 1.6m in diameter, was carefully manoeuvred into position to crown the Wordsley landmark and was given a civic seal of approval by the Mayor of Dudley.
The Dudley Council venue's restoration, which is now just months away from completion, will ensure the 18th Century build attraction will be safe for generations.
Mark Jeffs, from the centre, said: "The new glass cap is replacing the previous perspex one which had a huge crack in it. The new glass cap has been specially built to allow air to circulate.
"The main aim of this restoration is to ensure the structure is watertight, the ageing mortar was another problem, but we are all looking forward to it being finished."
In total, £1.5million has been invested in the building to repoint the entire structure from top to bottom, both inside and out, with authentic lime mortar. New cast iron windows have been forged to replace the non historic wooden windows.
Councillor Andrea Goddard, Mayor of Dudley, said: "The cone is iconic; it stands proudly to remind us of its role in the historic glassmaking industry.
