Kettering Library Roof Repair: 121 Tiles Painted for Heritage

Community-driven roof repair at Kettering’s Cornerstone invites locals to paint 121 tiles that will be laid face down on the roof, becoming part of the town’s heritage.

Community members are invited to contribute to a major roof restoration at Kettering's Cornerstone, the town’s combined library and art gallery. The £7 million project aims to stop leaks and preserve the building for generations to come.

Project background

The Grade II listed Cornerstone building sustained damage during heavy rainfall in 2023. Construction began in March, with the first slate tiles installed later that year as part of the wider repair plan to protect this historic landmark.

Tile painting event and symbolism

As part of the community event called Tag-A-Tile, 121 tiles will be painted and then laid face down on the roof, turning them into a tangible piece of the town’s heritage. The number 121 reflects the library’s age in years since opening.

The painting will take place at the Parish Hall on Kettering’s Market Place from 10:00 to 15:00 during the Christmas Market weekend, and participants may decorate tiles in any style.

Each tile, roughly the size of a postcard, will be numbered and the artist’s name recorded. Although the artwork will be hidden once mounted, participants will be told which tile is theirs so they can point it out when the roof work is complete. Photos of every tile will later form a public exhibition at the Alfred East Gallery.

The library, gallery and museum have been closed since the damage was discovered, and the library has moved to a new wing while restoration continues. The project is scheduled to wrap up by August 2026.

Expert comment

Expert view: The initiative blends serious preservation with community engagement, turning a repair into a shared cultural moment. Restoration specialists note the tile project adds a visible, participatory layer to this major restoration.

Short summary

In short, the Cornerstone roof repair combines essential conservation with local artistry. The 121 painted tiles symbolize the building’s long history and will become part of the town’s ongoing heritage once installed. The event links with the Christmas Market to encourage public involvement, and the work is expected to finish in late summer 2026.