External decorations and stone cleaning were carried out on the Grade II-listed building by Beard between May and September 2017 as part of the Oxford University Estates Services' repair and maintenance programme.

'The building was bathed in perpetual twilight while one man worked slowly and methodically around the stonework with a high-pressure hose spraying a mixture of sand, graphite and water at around 200 psi', said Gary Jones, ODID caretaker.

During the course of the works a number of defects were discovered including structural cracks to the chimney, rotten timber to the roof, and stonework that had been eroded so badly it needed to be replaced and these repairs were added to the project.

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According to Anthony Meek of the Estates Service, who oversaw the work, the OPT were impressed by the way in which 'the work brought to the attention a remarkable building that had previously been overlooked and ... was the catalyst for other renovation work along Mansfield Road'.

There were a record 44 entries to the OPT awards this year, and 11 plaques and 11 certificates were awarded in five categories: Large Building Conservation; Small Building Conservation; New Buildings; Small Projects; and Landscape and Public Realm (including Nature Conservation).

The OPT seeks to enhance Oxford by encouraging thoughtful development and new design, while protecting historic buildings and green open spaces.

Find out more about the awards, including a full list of this year's winners, here.