Ornate plasterwork found at hotel

Ornate plasterwork has been uncovered during restoration work

Ornate plasterwork thought to be by an acclaimed Italian craftsman has been unearthed during restoration work on an 18th Century hotel in Wolverhampton.

The decorative pieces were discovered on the walls and ceiling of the Rococo Room in Molineux Hotel which overlooks Wolverhampton Wanderers football club.

The Grade II listed building in the city centre is being renovated after standing empty for 25 years.

It is thought the work could be that of Italian craftsman Francesco Vassalli.

The distinguished stuccoist lived in the Wolverhampton area for many years and worked on several buildings in the West Midlands between 1724 and 1763.

These include Shugborough Hall, near Stafford, Hagley Hall in Worcestershire, and Chillington Hall and Patshull Hall, both near Wolverhampton.

Specialist contractors are now preparing to repair the plasterwork which experts have identified as dating from the mid 18th-Century.

Molineux Hotel, considered to be one of Wolverhampton's most prominent landmarks, was bought by the city council with the help of a £1.5m rescue package by Advantage West Midlands.

It was facing demolition after a severe fire in 2003 but a campaign was launched to save it from being destroyed.