A group of Delftware urns at Dyrham Park, Bristol and Bath | © National Trust Images/Robert Morris

Art and collections

Explore one of the world’s largest art and heritage collections. With more than one million objects, with stories to tell, at over 200 historic places there is lots to discover.

Oil painting on canvas. A Still Life of Flowers and Fruit arranged on a Stone Plinth in a Garden by Cornelis de Heem (Leiden 1631 - Antwerp 1695) at Dyrham Park, near Bristol and Bath.

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Autumn scenes and stories in our collections

With its bright colours, natural spectacles and abundant harvests, autumn has inspired artists for generations. From paintings and tapestries to ceramics, discover autumn scenes in our care.

Knight with the Arms of Jean de Daillon Tapestry, Montacute House

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Great tapestries to see up close

We look after the largest collection of tapestries in Britain and one of the largest in the world. Discover some examples of this outstanding craftmanship at the places in our care.

Terracotta and black plate in Hamilton 'Collection of Etruscan Greek and Roman Antiquities' (Naples: 1766-1767), part of the Library collection at Tatton Park, Cheshire.

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Great books in our collections

Explore a selection from more than half a million books and manuscripts in the collections we care for. Libraries Curator Tim Pye takes a closer look at some of the most significant works.

View of a pelisse-robe, c.1837-40, made of a mixture of wool & silk. From the Snowshill Collection at Berrington Hall.

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Revealing fashion treasures in the collections we care for

Historical fashion treasures can be discovered in numerous National Trust houses.

Painted image of Sir Joshua Reynolds sitting at a desk

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Highlights from the Sir Joshua Reynolds collection

Sir Joshua Reynolds was the leading portrait painter of the 18th century, admired for being able to capture an individual’s distinctive personality. We look after the largest collection of his works in a historic house setting, including 76 oil paintings.

Oil painting on panel of a Young Girl holding a Chaffinch

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Highlights from 100 paintings in the collections we care for

100 Paintings from the Collections of the National Trust showcases works by some of the most renowned European artists of all time, cared for by the Trust and housed in its properties.

A collection of photographs at Calke Abbey, Derbyshire. Calke Abbey tells the story of the dramatic decline of a country house estate.

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The history of portrait photography

Discover the history and development of portrait photography through a selection of images from the collections in our care.

Electric jewellery at Cragside in Northumberland

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Curiosities and inventions in our collections

From electric jewellery to Sir Winston Churchill's golden winkle shell, discover fascinating curiosities and inventions in the collections we care for.

A notepad with a watercolour painting by Beatrix Potter being held up to the camera

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The stories behind the works of Beatrix Potter

Explore the stories behind the illustrations, sketches and letters of this legendary author, preserved by the National Trust at her former home in the Lake District.

The interior of Wightwick Manor, West Midlands, featuring a superb collection of William Morris fabrics and wallpapers and Pre-Raphaelite paintings alongside de Morgan tiles

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About the collections in our care

See the breadth of our collection of works of art, furniture and more: we care for around a million objects at over 200 historic places, there’s a surprise discovery around every corner.

The painting Penelope and Euriclea by Angelica Kauffman, on display at Stourhead

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Our latest collection acquisitions

Discover some of the most recent acquisitions and the stories behind them, from paintings and objects kindly donated to the National Trust to those purchased with funds raised thanks to the generosity of visitors.

Sea Dog Table in the Withdrawing Chamber at Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire

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Loaning items to exhibitions

Explore just some of the paintings, prints, drawings, sculpture, ceramics and furniture that we lend to museums and galleries around the world, so they can be enjoyed by millions of people.

Iron and Coal on Tyneside in the 19th Century by William Bell Scott (1811–1890) at Wallington, Northumberland

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Cultural Heritage Publishing

The National Trust publishes two illustrated research journals every year, containing expert insights into our places and collections, curatorial content, and the latest conservation news.

Conservator vacuuming a tapestry chair seat using monofilament screening to protect loose threads from the suction of the special museum upholstery tool in the Long Gallery at Osterley Park, Middlesex

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How to care for your precious objects

National Trust conservationists know a thing or two about protecting valuable items. Get some top tips to protect your precious objects.

Close view of part of carved armchair with beetle damage, from the Drawing Room at Ickworth, Suffolk

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Expert tips for tackling insect pests that damage clothes, paper and furniture

A National Trust conservator explains how to identify insect pests like clothes moths, carpet beetles and silverfish and prevent the damage they can do in your home.