Piece of Inverness history restored as iconic mosaic panels return to Academy Street
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HISTORIC mosaics have today been returned to Inverness following restoration.
Originally made by Craven Dunnill Jackfield, the mosaics have been restored by the Mosaic Restoration Company and reinstalled at Rose Street Foundry – also known as the former AI Welders buildings in Academy Street.
As part of the Inverness Townscape Heritage Project, the mosaics are considered an important element of Inverness’s industrial heritage and are being followed by full restoration of the building to bring it back into use.
Owner Cairngorm Taverns was awarded a grant of £960,000 by the heritage project last year. This grant is a significant contribution towards the total cost of the restoration of 96 Academy Street which is being carried out in tandem to the mosaics being repaired.
Highland councillor Jimmy Gray, chairman of the heritage partnership, said: “I’m thrilled to see the return of the mosaics to 96 Academy Street.
"This marks both an important part of the restoration of the building itself and shows the overall progress to regenerate and restore Academy Street through the Inverness Townscape Heritage Project.
“I’m sure locals and visitors will enjoy the restored mosaics for years to come, and I hope it will encourage other building owners on Academy Street to look into the support available as part of the project.”
Samantha Faircliff, of Cairngorm Taverns, said: “The reinstallation of the mosaics to 96 Academy Street is a key milestone in the restoration of the building, which we expect to be finished by September 2019.
"We’re delighted to be the custodians of such an iconic building in the heart of Inverness.”
Gary Bricknell, of the Mosaic Restoration Company, said: “It’s been great to be part of such an important project for Inverness and the icing on the cake is seeing the mosaics in place, back in their original home.
"When working on a building such as this, which dates back to 1893, it’s incredibly rewarding to see it restored to its former glory.”
The heritage project is a collaboration of funding partners including Inverness City Heritage Trust, Historic Environment Scotland, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and it is co-ordinated and led by Highland Council.
