A team of builders is installing a new roof on the West Wing of the historic property in Horringer as part of a £225,000 project to restore the Pompeian Room's classical paintings and decorative plasterwork.

Paul Coleman, project manager, said: "This is crucial work to maintain the integrity of the building. What we are doing here is going to last 150 years and is going to be the history of the future."

Created by the third Marquess of Bristol following his Grand Tour of Europe in 1879, the elaborate room is based on drawings and sketches found on the walls of the Roman Villa Negroni, uncovered from the rubble of Pompeii in 1777.

But after 130 years of rainwater and humidity, the colourful decorations are crumbling and could be lost to future generations if the restoration work is not completed.

Mr Coleman said: "The restoration is critical.

"The builders respect the building and they are trying to save it for future generations of visitors."

New leadwork is being carefully fitted to the roof, as well as wool insulation, which will help to regulate the temperature inside the building.

Funded by the National Trust, the work was started in November and should be completed by April.

Neil Robinson, house manager, said he hoped the project was a success, so the room could be open to the public in its full glory.

He said: "The project is very exciting because we will be able to bring the room up to scratch and display it to the public as it should be shown.

"This is solving the problem rather than patching the damage up time after time."

For details of the visiting season at Ickworth House, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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