This collection features artifacts detailing the fight to save Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's former home, Undershaw, with a focus on the work of the Undershaw Preservation Trust.
Conan Doyle built Undershaw to meet the health requirements of his wife, Louise, who was suffering from tuberculosis. Conan Doyle lived there from 1897-1907, and entertained a variety of famous guests, including Bram Stoker and J.M. Barrie.
After Conan Doyle sold the house, it was used as a hotel until 2004, when it was sold and began to fall into a state of disrepair. The fight to save it began in 2010, when the owners, Fosseway Limited, announced plans to turn Undershaw into a block of apartments. This decision was stopped by a High Court in 2012, which simultaneously saved Undershaw while leaving its future uncertain.
Undershaw was put up for sale again in 2013 and was purchased by the DFN Charitable Foundation, who announced plans to convert Undershaw into an extension of Stepping Stones School. A High Court ordered a review of these plans in 2015, halting the renovations and once again putting Undershaw's future into question.
Credits
Patty Chavez