Originally created to celebrate 125 years of the National Trust in 2020, we're delighted we can now share the 125 objects, people and stories that make Scotney such a special place. Covering six themes - the Picturesque, Early History, People, Family, Nature and Conservation - the 125 items range from the very early history of the Old Castle right through to Betty Hussey's life in the house in the 2000s. Many of the items in the exhibition have rarely or, in some cases, never been on display to visitors before, and when the exhibition closes at the end of October, will go back into drawers, cupboards and the archive.
Costume
Over the years, many clothing items have been discovered throughout the house in cupboards, drawers, suitcases and in the attic spaces. Due to the fragility of textiles, every costume has to be carefully assessed before it can be put on display. In the Green bedroom you can see two Victorian children’s fancy dress costumes; on the bed is a stunning fairy outfit, complete with green satin shoes, silk stockings, sequined skirt and bodice and antennae, while on the mannequin is a red playing card dress. Both of these costumes are on display for the first time in many years.
You can also see the Edwardian black and white striped dress worn by Rosamund Hussey for her sitting of the J.J. Shannon portrait that hangs on the staircase, and get a sneak peak inside Betty Hussey's wardrobe. In the Dressing room you'll find Betty's wedding dress from her marriage to Christopher in 1936.