1885 UTILIS range for Gressenhall museum

I was contacted earlier in the year by Gressenhall farm and workhouse museum regarding the restoration of their cooking range that they use to show visitors and school children how the Victorians cooked.
It was in a poor state or repair with many parts having suffered from heat fatigue and many other damaged or lost by a previous ‘restoration’. The later is one of the biggest offenders when ranges are concerned. More damage can be done by a poor restoration than would have been casued if it has been left well alone and used as is.

I will do a full write up of this restoration when it is complete but in the mean time here are some pictures showing some new fabricated replacement parts and some patterns being made to replace missing or badly damaged parts.