Celebrating 125 treasures in our collections
The National Trust looks after a treasure chest of history. From artistic masterpieces and vast tapestries to precious personal possessions, the range and breadth of the collections is astonishing.
A new book – 125 Treasures from the Collections of the National Trust – shares the stories behind some of these remarkable objects.
Curators’ pick of 125 Treasures
In our latest books' blog, seven curators tell us about their favourite treasure from our new book, 125 Treasures from the Collections of the National Trust. The book provides a glimpse inside these places, showing some of the great art and astonishing historic collections that can be found at National Trust places across the country.
Objects up close
A rare Roman antiquity
This remarkable sculpture is unique, and little is known about its history. It was purchased by Robert Clive of India during his grand tour in Rome and was considered to be an antique Roman sculpture. Powis Castle, Powys.
Box decorated with raised embroidery
This 17th-century box was embroidered in expensive silver and gilt threads by a young woman named Hannah Trapham. Sudbury Hall, Derbyshire.
The first national atlas
The cartographer Christopher Saxton spent years surveying England and Wales to produce the first national atlas in 1579. He was supported by Queen Elizabeth I, whose portrait appears on the frontispiece. Anglesey Abbey, Cambridgeshire.
Capturing the ‘ghost ship’
In 1939 Mercie Lack photographed the site of Sutton Hoo, which contained the multiple burial mounds of an East Anglian royal dynasty. Sutton Hoo, Suffolk.
A portrait with a story
For decades, Mary Garnett (1724–1809) served as housekeeper at Kedleston Hall until her death at the age of 85. Dressed here in a black bonnet, she is shown as a loyal and trusted employee. Kedleston Hall, Derbyshire.
20th-century modernism
This simple and stylish magazine table reflects the whole design of the house known as The Homewood, created by the architect Patrick Gwynne (1913–2003) for his parents in 1938. The Homewood, Surrey.
125 Treasures podcast
Get a taste of the podcast with our series trailer, presented by actress Alison Steadman.
" Unlike a museum, National Trust houses present us with art and objects in their historic contexts. With so many curious and wondrous objects it can be hard to know where to look first... and yet, as 125 Treasures reveals, each object has its own story to tell."
