An architect’s practice founded in Chester has celebrated winning an award and the 90th birthday of its founder.
Although the head office of Donald Insall Associates is based in London, its work in the North of England and the Midlands is handled from their office in Chester’s Bridge Place.
Founder Sir Donald Insall is a freeman of the City of Chester and is renowned for his involvement in the conservation programme of the 1970s.
The Chester team designed Sir Donald’s huge 90th birthday cake in the shape of Chester’s walled city for his birthday party in London.
RELATED STORY:Lion Salt Works Museum scoops top conservation award
The team were also in London, at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, to receive the top national Civic Trust Conservation award for its rescue and adaptation of The Lion Salt Works near Northwich.
The Lion Salt Works, now run by Cheshire West and Chester Council as a visitor attraction, is a scheduled monument and the last survivor of Cheshire’s historic salt marketing industry.
The special challenges of saving the fragile structures at The Lion Salt Works needed the skills of the firm’s specialist conservation architects.
Company chairman Tony Barton, who lives in Hoole, said: “It was wonderful to be able to fly the flag for Chester in the capital at these two special events. Sir Donald’s 90th birthday is a milestone in our history and we have been carrying on the tradition of pioneering conservation by Sir Donald over 50 years ago.
“It has taken 12 of those years to save The Lion Salt Works and this prestigious national award is a just reward for our Chester based team’s skill and commitment.
A citation from the Civic Trust Awards said “The Lion Salt Works is a remarkable example of the lift that can be breathed into empty, derelict and crumbling buildings.”
