At Mathews Comfort we had the great opportunity of sponsoring Oxford Preservation Trust Awards 2019.

Oxford Preservation Trust (OPT) was established almost a century ago to preserve the best of the old, to encourage the best of the new, and educate people about the city of Oxford and its surrounding.

In their 42nd year the competition saw a record number of entries with 56 competitors, resulting in awarding eleven plaques and nine certificates. Whilst the Awards are an important part of seeking to recognise the finest new buildings and preserving older structures in Oxford. This year saw a new category acknowledging temporary installations or events that help bring the city’s past life alive.

Our very own Director, Russell Thynne was in attendance at the event and said “yet again it is a pleasure to work with Oxford Preservation Trust to encourage and celebrate the positive contribution of good design.”

Here is the full list of winners.

Plaques Awards

Large Building Conservation:

· Brackenbury Building Façade, Balliol College Stone Cleaning, Broad Street

· Restoration and Refurbishment of Keble College Dining Hall

Small Building Conservation:

· Conservation of Danby Arch, Oxford Botanic Garden

New Building:

· Beecroft Building, Science Area

· St John’s College Library and Study Centre

· Science Oxford Centre & Wood Centre for Innovation, Stansfeld Park

· Dora Carr Close, Northway

Small Projects:

· Blenheim Estate Office

· Clore Music Studios, New College

· Landscape and Public Realm:

· The Grates Medieval Wall, Cowley

· Thames Towpath Improvements

Temporary Projects- Winner:

· Victorian Light Night – Victorian Speed of Life’, TORCH, University of Oxford

Certificates went to:

· The Plough at 38, Cornmarket

· All Saints Church, Wytham

· Stained Glass conservation in Balliol College Chapel

· Boxers Statue Restoration, Magdalen College

· Access works and Refurbishment of the Music House at St. Catherine’s College

· Kimber Wing, New College; 42-43 Park End Street

· Roof Terrace ‘Pavement in the Sky’ Westgate.

You can find out more about the Oxford Preservation Trust and their awards here.