Conserving and preserving our history for the future.
We're pleased to be re-opening the doors to the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio again. We are open to visitors Wednesday to Saturday, 11am-4pm.
If you would like to travel to Knole by car please pre-book your visit via the Knole webpage.
A contemporary workspace steeped in history; the conservation studio supports collections cared for by properties across the National Trust.
Come and see our team of experts conserving a range of decorative art objects. From frames and furniture to paintings, ceramics and glass, there will always be something going on in the studio. Our work is diverse, ranging from emergency first aid, where we stabilise objects to preserve original materials and prevent further deterioration. To undertaking elements of restoration, where we can bring objects back to their former glory.
Sometimes our conservators work on-site at properties, undertaking condition surveys and assessments of objects or to provide support and training to property staff. This means we are not always in the studio. During your visit you will be able to learn about what we do by exploring the interactive displays in the exhibition area and through talking to our volunteer guides
Our task is not small, the National Trust owns and cares for over 1 million objects. Fortunately, we are not alone, we collaborate with colleagues specialising in textiles at the Conservation Studio at the Blickling estate in North Norfolk. In collaboration with the textile conservators we provide a well-rounded service for the critical demands of our collections. We work alongside a larger network of preventive conservators, curators and collections and house teams.
Most of our places run the Gift Aid on Entry scheme at their admission points.
Under this scheme, if you're not a member you have the choice of two entry tickets:
If the place runs Gift Aid on Entry, we'll offer you a clear choice between the Gift Aid Admission prices and the Standard Admission prices at the admission point. It's entirely up to you which ticket you choose.
Gift Aid Admission includes a 10 per cent or more voluntary donation. Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
An extra £1 paid under the scheme can be worth over £3 to the National Trust as shown below:
| Gift Aid | Standard | |
|---|---|---|
| Amount paid by visitor | £11.00 | £10.00 |
| Tax refund from Government* | £2.75 | £0.00 |
| Total received by the National Trust | £13.75 | £10.00 |
*Gift Aid Admissions let us reclaim tax on the whole amount paid - an extra 25 per cent - potentially a very significant boost to our places' funds.
