New film documents the restoration of the Sunday School at Union Chapel
A film has been released by Union Chapel documenting the restoration of their Grade II* Listed Sunday School Hall, in Islington. Contributors include Barbara Basini, Head of Conservation and Building Projects at Union Chapel, Tradespeople from Fullers Builders undertaking the work, and Burrell Foley Fischer’s Managing Director Faye Davies, lead designer for the project.
“This is a hugely exciting moment for Union Chapel and our local community. The Sunday School has been part of Islington’s story for almost 150 years, and we’re thrilled to see it revitalised as a space for our community.” Cristina Carrasco, Participation Manager of the Sunday School Stories Project
The Union Chapel designed by James Cubitt and completed in 1877 is an architectural treasure that’s home to a working church, an award-winning performance venue, a unique organ and The Margins Project for those homeless and in crisis in London. The high Victorian brick complex of buildings includes the Grade I listed Chapel and its tower and the separately Grade II* Listed Sunday School Hall.
“Sunday School Stories – a tale of dissent and social change" is the current focus of conservation and community work at Union Chapel. This project is uncovering the Sunday School Hall’s hidden history as well as creating a vibrant space for modern community use.
The initial phase of essential interior and exterior repairs to the Sunday School, included addressing structural issues, and installing a new roof - expedited due to failing tiles and timber battens, which posed a safety risk. It will also provide enhanced accessibility with DDA-compliant features and upgraded heating and lighting systems. These efforts aim to preserve the building’s unique architecture and historical significance for future generations.
The repairs are being funded through a combination of grants (including the National Lottery Heritage Fund) and community fundraising. Given its role as a cultural venue, the UCP's supporters and patrons play an active role in raising funds for the restoration project.
“This project is a fantastic example of how heritage and sustainability can go hand in hand. We’re not only preserving a rare and beautiful building but also setting a benchmark for how historic spaces can be adapted to be more comfortable, flexible and inclusive, and address the environmental challenges of today. There are so many exciting opportunities the space will be able to offer to our communities now and for many years to come. We’re incredibly grateful to our funders and to the skilled and dedicated team making this transformation possible.” Tom Linton-Smith, Union Chapel Project Trustee and Chair of the Infrastructure Working Group
Inside, the Sunday School Hall is notable for its 'Akron Plan' design. This layout features a central large airy double height hall with a three-sided wrap-around wrought iron balcony, surrounded by study booths, facilitating both individual and collective learning experiences. It is a space that combines simple grandeur and practicality – it was intended to cater for a wide range of activities, including classes for up to 180 children and families, sports, tea parties and bazaars.
When completed, the project will open up this little seen room and its collection for dedicated community use, cultural activity, ideas sharing and participative events – giving future generations the chance to create new stories of their own. This project is also creating a mass of free, skills-based, activities from conservation and archive skills to training in powerful public speaking – a skill of the activist leaders who helped found Union Chapel.