With the restoration of Kettering Library and Alfred East Gallery going well, we look at the talented craftsmen that are busy renovating our Grade II listed buildings.

This series of short videos (recently posted on our social media) highlight some of the expertise and talent behind this vital project, which brings Kettering’s beloved heritage buildings back to life, ready for reopening in summer 2026. Led by specialist heritage contractors Messenger, we will see the roofs replaced for both buildings, as well as renovations of stone and brickwork, new windows for the Library, and lots more.

Jon – Lead Plumber

A lead plumber for four decades, Dr Jon Castleman’s expertise has brought him to some unexpected places. From making King Richard III’s new lead coffin in Leicester, to restoring the golden Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, he’s spent his whole career conserving and restoring heritage.

Jon has worked on historic buildings all over the world but now he’s on Sheep Street, restoring the cupola on the Library’s roof. An iconic feature of our town’s skyline for over 120 years, Jon is restoring it back to its former glory.

Paul and Jim – Stonemasons

Our renovation project is more than just a new roof. Meet Paul and Jim – expert stonemasons who have worked hard together for 40 years to bring heritage buildings back to life.

Their careers have taken them from down the Collyweston mine, to Kensington Palace, and now to Kettering, repointing Alfred East Gallery’s stonework and cleaning the exterior.

The home of Kettering’s art collection hasn’t looked this good since 1913.

Tom and George – Stained Glass Restorers

Amongst the maze of scaffolding around Kettering Library, Tom and George are busy replacing windows.

The uncle and nephew team are used to working in cramped conditions like this. Their family business was started by Tom’s dad almost 50 years ago, and they’ve restored the windows of Windsor Castle, Tower of London, and many other historic buildings.

With over 40 windows replaced, this is another example of the skill and expertise involved in the restoration of the Library and Alfred East Gallery.

Kayden – Bricklayer

Meet Kayden, a bricklayer restoring the Library’s brickwork back to its original condition.

Brick by brick, our restoration project is giving the Library and Gallery the care and attention they deserve. Kayden and his colleagues are hard at work above Sheep Street, ensuring that these Grade II listed buildings are preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Later this year, we will welcome our visitors back once again.

For all the latest updates, and to see highlights from Alfred East Gallery’s collection, make sure to follow us on social media.

Remember that during restoration, Kettering Library remains open to the public in their temporary home. Head to the rear of the Library and Gallery, where you’ll find the Library team inside the new extension, happy to help as always.