EMILY HOBHOUSE
MUSEUM
The Newt in Somerset stands as a luxury country estate and hotel nestled in the heart of Somerset, England. Renowned for its luxurious accommodations, exceptional dining experiences, extensive gardens, and commitment to sustainability, it offers visitors a luxurious retreat surrounded by picturesque countryside. Our client had plans to unveil The Emily Hobhouse Museum at the Blackthorne Grange estate in Cornwall. This museum pays homage to Emily Hobhouse, a notable figure in local history, remembered for her advocacy of human rights and feminism during the Boer War of 1899.
EMILY HOBHOUSE
The Emily Hobhouse Museum at Blackthorne Grange estate in Cornwall honors Emily Hobhouse, a key figure in local history known for her advocacy of human rights and feminism during the Second Boer War (1899-1902). Born in 1860 in St Ive, Cornwall, Hobhouse documented and campaigned against the poor conditions in British concentration camps for Boer civilians, leading to significant improvements. Beyond her wartime efforts, she was a committed feminist and pacifist, promoting women's rights and social justice. The museum preserves her legacy through exhibits on her life and work, inspiring future generations to continue her fight for justice and equality.
OUR WORK
Vision Commercial Kitchens were trusted to design, supply and implement the kitchen area for the Emily Hobhouse Museum. Given the bespoke nature of the project and its prestigious location, the design needed to prioritise both aesthetic allure and historical meaning, aligning with the client's emphasis on crafting the ultimate experience for visitors.
To achieve the museum's desired aesthetic, the client insisted on the utmost quality of equipment and materials, aiming to cultivate a theatrical narrative that would stir intrigue about the site's historical significance. Accordingly, every manufacturer was carefully selected by Vision, ensuring each component contributed to the desired effect. From heat lamps chosen for their performance and visual appeal to bespoke display cases to showcase the products, every small detail was curated to perfection. The utilisation of high-grade stainless steel, welded, polished, and crafted into sleek, curved designs, further elevated the overall aesthetic, extending to the overhead canopy.
The beating heart of the kitchen is the cooking island and we decided very early to partner with Ambach in view of their reputation for design detail, performance and durability. Working closely with the architect, interior design and culinary teams on the specification of the appliances, harmonisation of aesthetics and materials and factoring in delivery, installation and services co-ordination, Ambach rose to the challenge.
“The end result not only looks stunning from the varied views into the kitchen, the chef team have been delighted with the thoughtful design, incorporating refrigeration and useful storage into the base, minimising effort whilst maximising performance and capacity from the cooking appliances above. The suite is also easy to keep spotlessly clean with a full one-piece top, including bespoke end panels and full hygiene level 3 bases”
Toby Magness, Sales Manager UK at Ambach
Vision prioritised sustainability throughout the project. The extraction system was carefully chosen, opting for Cyclone Ventilations, known for their eco-friendly operations.
“High efficiency Turboswing filtration, with integrated UV technology was chosen for its unique appearance and premium filtration capability. TurboswingUV offers unrivalled first stage filtration within the catchment area of the canopy, ensuring all extract ductwork is kept grease free.”
Chris White, Director for Cyclone Ventilation Ltd
Installing equipment at The Emily Hobhouse Museum posed challenges due to building limitations and site location. Coordinating deliveries during the construction phase was particularly difficult due to the narrow cobbled lanes surrounding the property. To mitigate this, protective boards were laid down, and deliveries were executed in smaller stages. Priority was given to minimising equipment damage, preserving the cobbled streets, and ensuring accessibility for lorries.
The trajectory of this project followed a visual-led design, allowing Vision the opportunity to showcase their creativity and implement innovative solutions, whilst maintaining operational efficiency. Despite challenges posed by the site's structure and location, Vision demonstrated resilience and a customer-centric approach in transforming the Museum to meet the client's desires. The Emily Hobhouse Museum serves as a significant asset to its local community, acknowledging British history.
