Our work
A conservation assistant hard at work
© National Trust/John Millar
Caring for Hardwick
Our team is dedicated to preserving and bringing Hardwick to life for the enjoyment of our visitors.
The National Trust has owned Hardwick for over half a century. In this time it has faced a daunting challenge in conserving the fabric and contents of the house as well as preserving the parkland.
Terrific tapestries
Over the years Hardwick's tapestries have suffered a great deal of wear
© NT/Nigel Wright
Our fantastic tapestries form the highlight of our collection at Hardwick.
As a result, it's incredibly important to preserve and look after these historic and unique pieces.
Sunlight from the huge windows as well as air pollution has damaged the tapestries and other needlework over time.
The Duchess Evelyn, who cared for Hardwick from 1908 until 1959, repaired many of the embroideries herself.
The Stableyard project
The weathervane on top of the clocktower
© National Trust / Claire Hammond
Conservation work has also been carried out on a collection of estate buildings at Hardwick.
The Hardwick Stableyard project has focused on the restoration and refurbishment of a number of disused estate buildings. These now serve as the new visitor facilities at Hardwick. The project has enabled us reveal the history of the Stableyard and tell the story of those who lived and worked there.
Find out more about the project progress at the Stableyard...
Saving the stone
We're keen to use traditional skills wherever possible during conservation
© National Trust /Claire Hammond
Until the 1890s, Hardwick was surrounded by coalmines and coke works. The pollution they generated eroded the hall’s stonework.
In 1965 a campaign of repairs was launched using sandstone from the same quarry Bess used.Like Bess of Hardwick, we have our own team of dedicated stone-masons. You can see what they get up to at the Stone Centre, open daily.
Conserving Cows
Hardwick is home to some lovely Longhorn Cattle and we're very proud in helping preserve this wonderful rare-breed. In turn, the cows help look after the parkland which was badly damaged by dairy farming.