Building conservation

We protect historic buildings and buildings in the wider landscape. Our building conservation team works hard to ensure they are preserved for ever, for everyone using traditional conservation techniques

Three letters dating back to the seventeenth century have been discovered under the floorboards at Knole in Kent.

Newly opened

View across mill and Quarry Bank House

Quarry Bank Mill, Cheshire 

Explore Quarry Bank, once the site of one of the largest cotton manufacturing businesses in Britain. Re-opening after a four year transformation project, you can now explore the mill owners’ home, a workers’ cottage, an 19th-century glasshouse as well as the mill itself. The historic cotton mill re-opened from August 25.

Visitor in the basement corridor at Clandon Park, Surrey

Opening the basement at Clandon Park 

Brand new for 2018, embark on an atmospheric journey, deep into the basement spaces at Clandon Park, reopened for the first time since a devastating fire in 2015.

Artist Anya Gallaccio at Lindisfarne Castle

Anya Gallaccio at Lindisfarne Castle 

This month Turner-nominated artist, Anya Gallaccio, unveils a new artwork at Lindisfarne Castle. Following an 18 month period of restoration, the castle has reopened its doors and welcomes visitors to experience the immersive installation inspired by Gertrude Jekyll’s walled garden. Gallaccio's installation runs until November 2018.

The hidden painting in Morris' bedroom

Pre-Raphaelite discovery at Red House 

Concealed behind a wardrobe at Red House in Kent, conservation staff have made a startling discovery. Originally thought to be two painted figures, the artwork in Morris' bedroom has now been revealed as a whole wall painting and is believed to be the work of William Morris and his friends, all of whom are renowned Pre-Raphaelite artists.

Red House uncovers the past

Preserving history

Conservation Assistant at work at Osterley Park

Our conservation work  

Caring for hundreds of historic houses and gardens requires constant effort to make sure everything stays in tip top condition. Find out about the latest projects and how you can help to keep your favourite places special forever.

Interior of the National Trust Textile Conservation Studio

The six principles of conservation 

Protection and preservation are at the heart of conservation. These six principles guide our work, helping us uncover the secrets of the past and bring history to life for the enjoyment of present and future generations.

Conservator Carmen Vida cleaning a decorative set of Flight, Barr & Barr porcelain from the Ballroom.

Meet the conservators 

Hard at work in the conservation studio at Knole is a team of six dedicated conservators, tasked with preserving the ornate collection for years to come. Specialising in everything from paper and paintings to furniture and frames, the team can be seen in the studio every week from Wednesday to Saturday.

Peek behind the scenes
Artist impression of what Seaton Delavall Hall will look like when recreated

Give to our Bring Stories to Life appeal 

Three very special places need your support in 2018. Will you help with donations to transform and revitalise Sutton Hoo, Seaton Delaval Hall and Stowe Gardens? With your support we can bring their stories to life and help visitors experience their true spirit and heritage.

Conservators Judy Wetherall and Pete Jenkins retouching one of eight gilded sconces in the new Conservation Studio

Faded magnificence: Rescuing Knole and its collections from decay 

Discover more about our work to save Knole in Kent from centuries of damp and decay. Curator Emma Slocombe explores the project as its state-of-the-art Conservation Studio opens to the public.

Find out more

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