Vintage electricity pillar restored to its former glory after 124 years

A vintage electricity distribution pillar has been lovingly restored after 124 years thanks to a campaign from a local man.

Howard Bayley, of Friends of Wardsend Cemetery, started his campaign after becoming tired of seeing the deterioration of the cast iron pillar on Greystones Road in Sheffield, which was in poor state from many years of paint layers now peeling. 

After extensive investigations over the past few years to find out who owned the feature, Howard decided to contact Northern Powergrid and spoke to Tom Barnard, a Building and Civil Engineer.

After a thorough search through the Northern Powergrid records, the distribution pillar was found, still named “Vintage YEB Distribution Pillar S.S.S.I” and was found to have been disconnected in 2016, with no recorded change of ownership
Due to the age of the pillar, Tom contacted local, specialist contractors who were able to carry out the restoration. 

This included sandblasting to remove the many layers of old paint and taking it back to the bare metal, whilst ensuring the lead paint debris was confined and completely removed. Tom also worked closely with Sheffield City Council and Historic England to ensure all guidance and legislations were followed for the removal of the paint.

With approvals and encouragement all round, the pillar was repainted in a Northern Powergrid classic colour ‘Holly Bush Green’, bringing its panelled frieze and intricate cornice back to life.

Tom managed the whole process from start to finish ensuring he was keeping Howard up to date every step of the way.

Tom said “When I was first contacted by Howard, I could immediately see how passionate he was about the pillar, and I was keen to do what I could to investigate this. 

“My first port of call was Historic England and that’s how I found out it’s significance as a Grade II listed structure, which is still located in its original position.

“I then worked with several different teams here at Northern Powergrid to check if the pillar was still one of our assets.”

Howard is overjoyed with the results. In an email to Tom, he said:

“Doesn't that look wonderful? They've done a great job. I'm absolutely delighted!

“Thank you very much for all your assistance with this and for your perseverance too. Thanks too to Northern Powergrid. 

“It's been a sorry sight for a long time so it's lovely to see that it is now an attractive feature with a new coat of paint deserving of a lovely little part of our heritage. 

“Well done to you and to Northern Powergrid and also to the contractors.”