‘The Orcadian’ recently featured an article about the proposed renovation of the old Stromness Post Office, including some drawings of what is planned. I was wondering how much of the original Edwardian fittings might be preserved?
I remember the Post Office having wonderfully patinated, polished wood and fine brass-ware including finger-plates on the doors. The plans in the Orcadian look terribly modern!
It‘s a great shame that the building has been standing there unused and deteriorating
so it’s good that it’s going to be used again but I was concerned that the ‘baby might go out with the bath water’ and some of the history be lost. I emailed the PAC to express my concerns and Director Neil Firth responded, telling me of how much the woodwork has deteriorated, that the brass detailing is tarnished, and reassuring me that the artists impressions are just that – impressions. The first concern of all involved is to see the fine old building put to useful purpose again.
You wouldn’t get that kind of response from a big city gallery!
My reply was that I hoped that there could be something of the old place left – it’s how I am – I always prefer wood and brass to chrome and glass.
I said I’ll watch developments with interest, and would have a look at the presentation of the plans in the Pier Art Centre.
So, we did exactly that…
There’s a model giving a general, overall impression of how the ‘new’ building could look
There are information boards showing images of the Post Office in the past
And drawings of how it could look in the future
It’s possible to sit and watch a short film giving a virtual tour of the interior, and also an impression of what the garden at the back could be like
An image of the garden is also included on one the information boards as part of a more general presentation of the part the restored building will, hopefully, play in the community
I’m hoping that the café will serve more than tea & coffee – soup and sandwiches would suffice, and Stromness needs another café. Also, a kitchen would be useful if the building is to be used for conferences and meetings.
I also hope that there’ll be some kind of display in the renovated building – possibly a montage of images and text telling of the Old Post Office and maybe including some bits & pieces such as the, polished-up, brass fittings.
It’s not up to me – I’m just hoping!
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