United Kingdom: Restoration project honors the lasting impact of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s message of peace

BRISTOL, United Kingdom — The Bahá’ís of the United Kingdom recently marked the completion of the restoration of an apartment at 17 Royal York Crescent in Bristol, where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá resided and gave public presentations in 1911 and again in 1913 during His historic journeys to the West.

Members of the Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom, along with the architectural team and other invited guests, gathered to inaugurate the apartment, which will now be open for viewings.

In his welcome address, National Assembly Member Patrick O’Mara highlighted how ‘Abdu’l-Bahá promoted the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh and their application to many contemporary issues. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá served all who crossed His path, regardless of their class, their race or their religion. He was a loving father and friend, a wise counselor and a refuge for all in need.”

Jonathan Lees, who led the architectural team that carried out the restoration work, said: “There is something special about this space. Whether on the balcony, or more specifically in the two rooms (where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá resided), there was always the feeling that we were doing something very special. There was respect for history and what had happened here.”

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s connection with 17 Royal York Crescent

In 1908, unrest in the Ottoman capital culminated in the Young Turk Revolution, which led to the release of all the empire’s religious and political prisoners. Released after decades of captivity and exile, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá embarked on a three-year journey from the Holy Land that took him through Egypt, Europe and North America to further the cause of unity and peace.

Bristol was one of many stops on ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s travels. It was here that Wellesley offered hospitality to Tudor Pole, an admirer of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá who had previously visited Him in Egypt. Tudor Pole had acquired adjacent properties at 16 and 17 Royal York Crescent, which had been opened as a boarding house. He invited ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to stay there during his visit to England in September 1911.

During his stay in Bristol, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá delivered speeches on the state of modern society, devoted to such issues as peace, women’s rights, racial equality, social reform and moral development.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá described the era as “the age of women” and spoke of the need for women to have the same privileges and opportunities as men, especially in the field of education.

Olinga Tahzib, another member of the National Assembly, shared insights into ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s profound interactions during his stay at Royal York Crescent. Mr. Tahzib related how ‘Abdu’l-Bahá dedicated every room of the house to the service of humanity, declaring that the house would serve as “a center of peace and tranquility for pilgrims from East and West,” symbolizing of unity and encounter. point of diverse cultures.

In January 1913, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá came to Bristol again on his return journey from North America to the Holy Land. On this occasion, he addressed about 150 attendees at the guest house, delving into several profound themes, including the need for universal peace and the importance of unity across racial and religious divides.

Shortly afterwards, a local newspaper published a message from Him to the people of Bristol, expressing His aspirations for them: “It is my hope that they will be helped to serve all mankind. May they become the means of establishing good fellowship among the children of men.”

To mark the completion of the restoration, the National Spiritual Assembly produced a film entitled A center of peace and tranquility explaining the history of the apartment and highlighting the technical aspects of the renovation project.

Images of the balcony restoration.

Images of the restoration of the room where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá gave public lectures.

The aim of the restoration was to bring the apartment as close as possible to what it looked like at the time of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit. The original floorboards and windows were restored and new wallpaper and carpets were created, based on elements visible in historic photographs of the rooms.

View of restored and repaired windows, shutters and doors.

Left: Images of the restoration of the room where ‘Abdu’l-Bahá stayed. Right: A robe worn by Him will be on permanent display in an archive display case.

The specialist architectural team found remains of original plaster cornices and traces of ceiling roses, which have now been fully restored or recreated.

Varqá Khadem, member of the Continental Council of Counselors in Europe, speaks at the dedication event.

View of the guests gathered during the dedication program.

Group photo of members of the Bahá’í National Spiritual Assembly of the United Kingdom, the architectural team and other guests at the dedication of the restored apartment at 17 Royal York Crescent in Bristol.