Objects in focus
Hidden nature
See what creatures you can find in our historic houses. At Lanhydrock, Cornwall, griffins form the arm supports of this 18th-century chair.
Decorative birds
Birds hide among the branches of a flowering tree in this embossed leather 18th-century wall hanging at Bateman’s, East Sussex. The decoration was probably inspired by Indian chintz designs.
Carved canines
The elaborate staircase at Knightshayes Court, Devon, includes this canine newel post. It was carved by Harry Hems, an Exeter-based sculptor in around 1890.
Bird spotting
If you take a close look at the windows in the Great Hall of Packwood House, Warwickshire, you might spot this little chap. The windows were part of Baron Ash's transformation of Packwood between 1924 and 1932.
Concealed artworks
A host of intricate designs lies behind the doors of a black lacquer Chinese cabinet at Snowshill Manor, Gloucestershire. The golden decoration include this majestic bird, depicted in beautiful detail.
Oxburgh Hall discoveries
Fragments of Elizabethan textiles were found in rats’ nests hidden under the attic floorboards at Oxburgh Hall. They were part of thousands of rare items, including a 15th-century illuminated manuscript, recently unearthed.
Major exhibitions
Although most of our houses and buildings are currently closed, you can still enjoy some of our major exhibition highlights online. Take a peek into Nostell’s recently conserved 18th-century dolls house, discover Osterley’s treasures, delve into the art collection at Ickworth and and check which few places have reopened with displays.
