Art-filled derelict building at risk, says charity

A "remarkable" disused Victorian house on the site of a hospital has been included on a list of top 10 most endangered buildings for 2026.

Parndon Hall in Harlow, Essex, is filled with a "rare and highly significant body of work" by artist Elizabeth Arkwright and needs a "clear conservation strategy", according to The Victorian Society, which compiles the endangered buildings list.

Actor and comedian Griff Rhys Jones, the society's president, who lived in Harlow as a child, said: "To just stick it to one side and let it rot is such a waste of a valuable resource."

The Princess Alexandra NHS Trust, which owns Parndon Hall, said it was "committed to maintaining the building".

"My dad worked at the Alexandra Hospital. I lived in Harlow as a kid. This could be an asset instead of derelict and should be," added Rhys Jones.

James Hughes, the director of The Victorian Society, said a clear plan was needed of how the "unique heritage asset" could be conserved and celebrated.

"Parndon Hall is not just an important Victorian house, but contains a rare and highly significant body of work by a female artist that deserves national recognition," he said.

"Without urgent intervention, both the building and these remarkable interiors are at risk."

The house, which was built for Loftus Arkwright in 1867, was decorated by his artist wife who painted classical figures and scenes of social life across its ceilings, doors and wall panels.

The building sits on the same site as the hospital and had previously been used as a medical records library and a training centre.

It flooded in 2024 and was repaired, but a decision was then made to use the site for storage.

This was something The Victorian Society was concerned may contribute to "deterioration and fading of the paintings" due to "fluctuations in temperature and humidity".

Tom Burton, chief financial and infrastructure officer and deputy chief executive of The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust, said Parndon Hall was a "treasured asset" and work had been carried out to try and make sure the building was not damp.

He also said the trust was looking at ways to turn the building back into a training centre or a community building for local people.

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