Our work

Book conservation at Townend © National Trust

Book conservation at Townend

Books, books and more books

The books in the library at Townend have been collected by many generations of the Browne family.

Over time, and with use, quite a few of the books have been damaged. Pages have been torn, covers are coming loose and the books are sagging in their bindings.

A team of conservators is working to repair the books.

From sheets to chemises © National Trust / CvH

From sheets to chemises

Textiles at Townend

Last summer, we had a textile survey done. All the sheets, pillow cases, towels, aprons bonnets in the linen closet were examined.

We are now looking at possible new ways to display some of the lovely items we came across. Visit us to find out what we've decided to do.

woodworm poo! © National Trust / CvH

woodworm poo!

The enemy within

The oak furniture at Townend may look very solid and sturdy but unfortunately this is not always the case.

Woodworm, the larvae of the furniture beetle, have been eating away at the furniture from the inside.

Good housekeeping usually keeps it under control, but sometimes more drastic measures are required.