Historic Heanor war memorial returns home to The Grammar following major restoration
Amber Valley Borough Council has brought a significant First World War memorial back to its original home at The Grammar in Heanor, following an extensive conservation and restoration programme.
Originally dedicated in 1923, the triptych commemorates 57 former pupils of Heanor Secondary School who lost their lives in the First World War. Created by renowned British artist Frederick Cayley Robinson, the three-panel painting is rich in symbolism, with the central panel depicting figures representing Faith, Justice, Charity, Fortitude and Hope, alongside the names of those who died.
Cayley Robinson (1862–1927) was known for his distinctive style, using figures and imagery to represent themes of morality, duty and human experience. His work was exhibited at the Royal Academy, and the Heanor triptych reflects many of these defining characteristics.
Removed from The Grammar for its own protection when the building fell into disrepair, the war memorial was kept in safe storage from 2015 following the closure of South East Derbyshire College.
It was later passed into the Borough Council’s custodianship in 2022.
Following the renovation of the building, and after years out of public view, the artwork has undergone a detailed programme of conservation before returning home to Heanor.
When the conservators first assessed the artwork, prior to the Council’s involvement, it was found to be in poor condition. The central panel had suffered significant damage from water ingress and prolonged damp, resulting in flaking, paint loss and deterioration of the underlying layers.
Reflecting on the restoration, Dian Hall and William Young, of Dian Hall Conservation, said: "The triptych was in poor condition when we were first asked to examine it, with significant damage caused by damp over time.
“Following skilled conservation work, we are very happy to see the paintings restored and returned to their original location after such a long period of uncertainty.
“With 48 years’ experience working on many different types of paintings and associated issues, this has been a significant and rewarding project.
“This is a fine war memorial to the men of Heanor who died in the First World War."
Now fully restored, the triptych has been carefully reinstated in its original position within the Main Hall of the Grade II listed building, where it can once again be seen, appreciated and remembered as intended.
Reinstalling the artwork was a complex task, led by specialist art transport and installation company C’Art. A bespoke mounting system was designed to securely support the large-scale panels within the historic building, ensuring the artwork could be fixed evenly while minimising stress.
The installation required a team of six, specialist lifting equipment, and multiple site visits to plan the work. One of the key challenges was working within the existing structure of the building, where walls and fixings required careful consideration.
Mark Bown, of C’Art, said: "This was a highly bespoke installation. Working within an older building always presents challenges, particularly when you’re dealing with something of this scale and significance.
“Our priority throughout was to ensure the artwork was fully supported and under no stress, using a mounting system designed specifically for this piece. It required careful planning and precision, but we’re really pleased with how it has come together."
Amber Valley Borough Council will be holding a rededication event at The Grammar, giving the community an opportunity to come together and reflect on the significance of the memorial. Further details will be shared in due course.
Councillor Chris Emmas-Williams, Leader of Amber Valley Borough Council, said: "This is a really important moment for Heanor and for Amber Valley. This triptych is not only a significant piece of art, but a lasting memorial to the young men from our community who lost their lives in the First World War.
“We know many people have been waiting to see its return, and we’re incredibly grateful to the conservators and installation team for the care, skill and dedication they’ve shown in bringing it back to life.
“We look forward to welcoming the community to a rededication event at The Grammar, where people will have the opportunity to come together and reflect on its significance.
“We are proud to see it returned to its rightful home, where it can be appreciated by current and future generations, and where the stories it represents continue to be remembered."
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