SMV was delighted to host a recent visit as part of the One Wish Project, a special initiative led by the Wellbeing Team at the award-winning care home Katherine & Griffiths House in Westbury-on-Trym. The visit took place after resident Brian chose Merchants’ Hall in Clifton as his ‘One Wish’.
Both Brian’s parents and grandparents had maritime backgrounds having served with the Royal Navy, and Brian was particularly interested to learn more about SMV’s origin, which also has maritime roots. Now a social purpose organisation, the Society was originally a trade association for Bristol’s maritime merchants, some of whom financed John Cabot’s famous voyage in 1497, which led to the first documented landing on Newfoundland.
Brian chose to visit Merchants’ Hall in order to explore the historical building and the many paintings and artifacts that are on display, charting the history of the Society, which Brian said: “Helped me reminisce about my own life.”
Merchants’ Hall was originally built in 1868 as a private residence. Designed by the Bristol architectural partnership of Richard Shackleton Pope, Thomas Pope and John Bindon, the building is one of a number of notable Victorian properties they created across the city.
Situated on The Promenade, the Hall became SMV’s headquarters in 1945, following the destruction of the Society’s original King Street premises during the Bristol Blitz in the Second World War. Originally constructed as two semi-detached houses, Fern House and Auckland House, the properties were later combined to form Merchants’ Hall, while preserving their historic character.
For his visit, Brian requested a full tour of the building, followed by tea and cake in the ornate Reception Room. Accompanied by his son, fellow residents and staff from Katherine & Griffiths House, the visit began with an engaging introduction to the history of the building and the Society, delivered by SMV’s Master, Jonathon Baker. Brian was particularly interested to learn about SMV’s core mission to help communities across Greater Bristol to thrive.
The tour was then led by SMV’s Chief Executive, Caroline Duckworth DL, who highlighted many of the Hall’s notable features, including historic paintings, documents, furniture, decorative objects and an 18th-century Georgian chandelier.
Brian’s One Wish was rounded off with a special tea party hosted by the Master, with Brian and his son as guests of honour.
Reflecting on the visit, Brian said: “I really enjoyed exploring this beautiful historic building, admiring the ornate décor, antique paintings, remarkable architectural features and fascinating objects. There was so much to take in, and we were all made to feel so welcome. I had the most wonderful day.”
Sabina Green, Wellbeing Team Leader at Katherine & Griffiths House, added: “Having his son by his side made the occasion deeply personal, and Brian thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to create new memories together in such a beautiful setting.”
