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.
Overwinter Conservation at Coughton Court
You might think that conservation takes a rest whilst the house is closed for the winter but he house team are super busy and are deep into our annual clean. Read on to find out what they are up to.
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.
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.
Our work with The V&A
Find out how the bookcases will be carefully conserved and reassembled as part of an evolving display. A rare opportunity for the public to see the research and installation of such important pieces of furniture in action.
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..
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.
Unravelling the past at Hardwick Hall
Learn about the incredible Elizabethan textiles and see how we're preserving them forever, for everyone.
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.
Caring for Sudbury
From cleaning mould to paintings conservation discover the methods and tools we use to protect our collections.
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.
Art back to front
Discover the stories behind our artworks – literally!
Textile collection: the Gideon tapestries
Hardwick is renowned for its textiles, including an extensive collection of tapestries. Part of this are the Gideons which have been the focus of a major conservation project.
Caring for Lady Mary Curzon's Peacock dress
The Peacock Dress belonged to Lady Mary Curzon of Kedleston Hall, made for the Delhi Durbar in 1903. It was designed to capture the imagination of all who saw it and it still does...
Five of the 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.