Caring for our collections in the Midlands
It's not just our amazing buildings and outdoor spaces that need constant care and monitoring. Each of our special places have their own beautiful and entirely individual collection that keep our staff, volunteers and specialist conservators very busy.
Spring Cleaning – Straw’s style
Now that spring is here, many of us may be thinking about giving the house a good clean to clear away the cobwebs... and it's no different at Mr Straw's House.
Charlecote's pipe dream
Raffle ticket sales will play a large part in funding our new heating project. Discover more about why this important new work is so necessary and how you can help.
The five agents of decay at Upton House and Gardens
A look at how we overcome the factors that contribute to the deterioration of our items and decorative features.
Many hands make light work at Gunby
When the house is closed to visitors, the Gunby conservation team gives all the collection pieces a good 'deep winter clean'. It's a big help that for the last few years staff and volunteers from nearby National Trust places the Workhouse and Tattershall Castle come to clean too.
Making conservation clear
We want our visitors to have the best experience possible, that’s why we’re taking part in a regional project called Hands On or Hands Off? At Upton House and Gardens, we are focusing on the language we use across the property to explain what can and can’t be touched.
Conservation work of Firbeck Infirmary at The Workhouse
Learn more about the conservation work taking place within Firbeck and how you can gain an insight behind the scenes.
Hardwick's carpet collection - not made for walking on
Within Hardwick Hall's historic collection are some rare and unusual carpets, some of which date from the time of Bess of Hardwick. As part of our conservation strategy, these carpets will be surveyed to assess their condition and understand the best preservation methods for the materials.
Conservation at Coughton Court
We've been busy carrying out lots of vital conservation work..
Winter clean at Croft Castle
Discover what our House team get up to behind the scenes during winter, including a thorough clean of the rooms and parts of the collection.
Our work at Packwood House
We care for delicate tapestries in our collection; take a look at how we're using generous donations to preserve these works of art.
The return of the Lucretia embroidery to Hardwick
Hardwick is renowned for its collection of textiles and strong female story. The second of the four 'noble women' appliqué wall hangings - Lucretia - returned from conservation in 2016. Visitors will now be able to see her redisplayed alongside Penelope and discover more about their story.
Unravelling the past at Hardwick Hall
Learn about the incredible Elizabethan textiles and see how we're preserving them forever, for everyone.
Caring for Sudbury
From cleaning mould to paintings conservation discover the methods and tools we use to protect our collections.
Art back to front
Discover the stories behind our artworks – literally!
Our work at Upton House and Gardens
From preserving pictures to relocating fish, there's always something to keep us busy.
The Workhouse – Past, Present, Future
The new Workhouse aims to reinforce and re-establish the role that this property should play in society today, telling the story of how society has tackled poverty, health and social welfare both then and now.
Why The Workhouse is conserving Firbeck Infirmary
Discover why we decided to embark on this ambitious five year project for our visitors.
Restoring Kedleston's silk seats
The chairs and sofas in Kedleston Hall's State Apartment have all been restored to their gilded glory.