Art & collections

We’re celebrating the 300th anniversary of Thomas Chippendale, the renowned furniture maker, with a series of events and exhibitions. Discover his work and legacy in our online collections, especially at Nostell in West Yorkshire which houses an unparalleled collection of his work.

Join curator James Grasby and furniture specialist Megan Wheeler who introduce us to the world-class collection at Nostell Priory. We explore the beautiful craftsmanship of Thomas Chippendale who was commissioned by the Winn family to furnish Nostell’s grand interiors.

A major new architectural artwork by Turner Prize winner Mark Wallinger is unveiled at Runnymede, Surrey. Writ in Water is an immersive space for contemplation at the site which witnessed the sealing of Magna Carta more than 800 years ago.

Blickling Estate in Norfolk is home to our largest and most significant library. In response to the conservation threats facing this collection, award-winning theatre company Les Enfants Terribles have created an immersive art installation. Until October.

This new touring exhibition, in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery, is open at The Workhouse in Nottingham until 22 July. It features rarely seen paintings, drawings, photographs and archival documents from surveillance records of militant suffragettes.

This indigo day dress, on show in the current fashion exhibition at Killerton in Devon, reveals much about the relationship between politics and dress during the early 20th-century campaign for women’s suffrage. Explore the details of the dress and learn more about its design and significance.

Although we might think that wearing gloves is mandatory when handling national treasures, it is generally not a good practice where books are concerned. In fact, gloves can pose a serious risk. Find out why.

Our collections are constantly revitalised through new acquisitions. Recently, a collection of paintings, including a number of Old Masters, have been allocated to the National Trust for display at Penhryn Castle through the Acceptance in Lieu Scheme.

Each year we lend many items from our collections to external exhibitions. You may be surprised to find out where our objects go on show.