ARTS organisers say they are interested in a tiny building at Chiswell, Portland – and would love to hear more about its history, potentially leading to it being saved.

The building, on Brandy Row, was featured in a recent news story about proposals to fit a new roof, door and side window to a store immediately behind it.

Because the planning notice was pinned to the building to the front, close to the flood barrier and the area known locally as Entry, many assumed the refurbishment was for the building which the official notice was attached to.

B-Side Co Artistic director Amanda Wallwork said: “It's not the building in the photo that is the subject of the planning application. This application refers to an area of land at the rear of the remains of this Tudor cottage,” which, she says, has resulted in people being confused.

Both buildings are owned by Dorset Council with b-Side interested in researching the history of the (pictured) Tudor Cottage for its current project, This Land.

Ms Wallwork is inviting anyone with information about the Brandy Row cottage, and others in the area, to share what they know, adding that they might also be interested in attending an exhibition which opens on September 7th at former Congregational Chapel in Chiswell between 11am and 6pm. It will remain open until September 10th as part of the b-side festival https://b-side.org.uk/.

The exhibition will feature some of the history of Brandy Row by a group of community researchers led by Dr Jeanie Sinclair as well as a collection of books, pamphlets, documents and photographs relating to the area.

The festival co-director says one of the questions being asked is whether the building could be saved, and what it might become, with the idea of setting up a heritage action group to develop any ideas.

The Tudor cottage which b-Side is interested in is almost the last trace of a picturesque row of 17th Century thatched cottages – featured on picture postcards and the cover of novels.

Said Ms Wallwork : “Built directly on the beach these cottages took the full brunt of storms and tidal surges. What remains has survived the ravages of weather, sea, and demolition.

“Situated in an at-risk area, with sea levels rising, in very poor state of repair, with no listing or historical surveys, can this potential community asset be saved? And what are the challenges for coastal communities vulnerable to climate change?

“The project has been researching this site and whilst posing these questions has gathered stories of the past of these homes and thoughts about their future. Working with our group of community researchers has brought up many memories, connected families and sent us off in intriguing searches for lost documents to help tell the story of this neglected part of Portland’s past. Is there a way to work together to give it an exciting future?”

Further information about the b-Side project This Land can be found at the following website –  https://b-side.org.uk/project/this-land/ Information about the September 7-10th exhibition  - https://b-side.org.uk/events/the-story-of-brandy-row/