April 2003

Restoration forms the backbone of BBC TWO’s £97 million spring/summer 2003 season of events and big Arts pieces.

Presented by keen conservationist Griff Rhys Jones, the programme will give viewers the chance to learn about – and actively visit – Britain’s social and architectural history through some of its landmark buildings.

BBC TWO has teamed up with the UK’s heritage bodies to give viewers a chance to save one of 30 historic landmarks from across the country which are on the brink of extinction.

From cottages to castles, factories to chapels, celebrities – including Richard E. Grant, Robert Hardy and Fiona Bruce – will campaign to save the building of their choice in ten hour-long programmes devoted to a different geographical area of the UK.

Each episode will focus on three properties in the region, vividly bringing their history to life.

The series culminates in a magnificent live event and a grand open weekend in September, which gives viewers the opportunity to visit over 3,000 buildings – some not usually open to the public.

Viewers are invited to cast their vote to try and save the building of their choice for this, and for future, generations.

Says Jane Root, Controller of BBC TWO: “With the shocking statistic that one historical monument has been lost in the UK every day since the end of World War Two, Restoration will throw a timely spotlight on the thousands more still at risk and offer the audience a chance to save one of these buildings and make their mark on history.”