Polly Powell, the daughter of a Barbican architect, has found her calling in restoring old houses. Her latest project, Makers' House in Ramsgate, is a testament to her passion for preserving history and creating community spaces. This former sea captain's home, once an air raid shelter and a veterinary practice, was in a state of disrepair when Polly discovered it in 2023. However, she saw its potential and fell in love with it, spending the next 18 months carefully restoring it.
What makes Makers' House unique is its blend of history and contemporary craft. The house, with its rediscovered staircases and Regency wallpaper, provides a fitting backdrop for the creative hub it has become. Polly's family history in architecture and her mother's work as an architectural conservator have undoubtedly influenced her love for old houses. She finds joy in the solidity and meaning of these structures, and her enthusiasm is infectious.
The restoration process revealed hidden treasures, such as an 1820s staircase and a stained-glass roundel, which Polly carefully restored. She also reimagined parts of the house, like the Edwardian-era bow-front, to preserve its character. The house now serves as a creative hub, offering events and residential craft workshops hosted by celebrated textile artists and authors published by Batsford Books.
Polly's connection to Batsford Books, one of the country's oldest publishing houses, adds a layer of synergy to her work. The bookshop and gallery in Hackney, east London, provide a platform for authors, artists, and readers to connect. Makers' House, however, offers a more immersive experience, focusing on the act of making itself.
Polly's vision for Makers' House extends beyond the house itself. She plans to launch the Ramsgate Festival of Craft in May 2027, a town-wide initiative that will celebrate local makers and draw on Ramsgate's maritime heritage and culture of making. The festival will also explore unexpected narratives, such as the 19th-century reformer Elizabeth Fry, who furnished women with sewing kits to earn a living.
Polly sees the renewed interest in craft in Britain as a response to the digital age. She believes that the value of making and learning through the hands is only growing, and books retain their place in this ecosystem. Makers' House, with its slower rhythm and emphasis on hands-on learning, provides a much-needed respite from the fast-paced digital world.
In conclusion, Makers' House is a testament to Polly's passion for preserving history and creating community spaces. Her restoration of the old house has breathed new life into a once-derelict building, and her vision for the creative hub and festival is a celebration of craft and community. As Makers' House continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly become a cherished space for artists, readers, and the local community.
