Mural restoration sets scene for Nicholson improvements

Restoration work to restore murals by respected Leek artist Robert Timmins displayed in the Nicholson Institute is set to start this week.

The murals, on the north and south walls, depict women reading, playing music, painting, and spinning and weaving with a Latin phrase that translates as 'skilfulness takes time, life is short', and date from 1912.

Over the years, dirt has accumulated on the paintings and they have suffered small tears, scratches and marks. The repair work will involve cleaning the murals and repairing the tears and scratches and is expected to take around six weeks. It is being carried out by specialist conservation and restoration company Lincoln Conservation.

The scaffolding required to enable the works to take place is being erected on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 August and the main entrance to the Nicholson will be closed on those days. The library will remain open and access will be through the neighbouring Moorlands House.

Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism, said: "It's great to see the improvement works at the Nicholson getting underway with the restoration of these Robert Timmins murals - an integral feature for over century and very much part of the character of this beautiful building.

"It's the start of a wider programme of investment with both the library and the museum set to be refreshed and repurposed and the lower ground floor restored to use for the first time in many years.

"I'm delighted that the final project in the biggest regeneration project in the town for decades is now underway. It follows the highly successful rejuvenation of the indoor markets and we're making excellent progress with the major redevelopment of the leisure centre in Brough Park - exciting times for Leek and the wider Moorlands!"

Robert Timmins was born in Leek and studied art at Allan Fraser Art College in Arbroath before taking up a teaching position at Liverpool School of Art. He exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts in London and the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.

Published on 4 August 2025