Opening The Malthouse for Heritage Open Days 2025

In September 2025, WWA proudly joined the nationwide Heritage Open Days festival, opening the doors of our head office, The Malthouse in Abingdon. Normally closed to the public, the historic Grade II listed building welcomed around 200 visitors over the course of the weekend.

The theme for Heritage Open Days 2025 is “Architecture”, encouraging communities across the country to explore the stories of the buildings that surround us: who designed them, why they were built, how they were constructed, and how their use has changed over time. The Malthouse is a perfect example of this journey.

Originally part of Abingdon Abbey’s dyehouse estate, the building was converted into a malthouse in the 17th century, reflecting the town’s long association with brewing. It passed through the Tompkins and Copeland families before being remodeled in 1900 by architect Harry Redfern, who introduced the Arts & Crafts-inspired details that define its appearance today. In the mid-20th century, it was adapted for offices by D.B. West, then a partner in our practice, and since 2004, it has been the home of WWA.

As part of the Open Days event, we displayed a series of specially produced exhibition boards tracing the 140-year history of the practice. From the founding of J.G.T. West’s office in 1885, through three generations of the West family, the partnership with Philip Waddy, and the merger with London-based Archadia Architects in 2021, the story charts not just the growth of a practice but the changing face of Abingdon itself. Highlights included early drawings for Abingdon School and Abingdon Hospital, post-war housing schemes such as Picklers Hill, conservation projects for almshouses and Stratton House, and more recent low-carbon housing and masterplans across the South East.

Visitors particularly enjoyed the chance to see old photographs and drawings, sparking memories and personal stories: “I used to buy my dresses at this shop” and “My dad worked in that factory” were just some of the nostalgic comments we heard. The Mayor of Abingdon also joined us, praising the way the exhibition brought the town’s history to life and highlighting the importance of making heritage accessible to all.

For us, opening The Malthouse was more than a celebration of our anniversary. It was a way of sharing how architecture creates social value: connecting past and present, inspiring future generations, and reminding us that buildings are about people as much as bricks and mortar.

Would you like to explore the exhibition boards for yourself? View the full PDF: The Malthouse Exhibition Boards (PDF)

Heritage Open Day 2025 Exhibition Boards Collage