Open Cabinet Week at Uppark

From 7-13 June, 11am to 4pm, visit the house at Uppark for a rare glimpse inside selected items, usually closed to the public. The below is a sample of some of the items you'll be able to see open on your visit.

The New Gold Medal Eagle range with copper pans and utensils in the Kitchen at Uppark, West Sussex — The New Gold Medal Eagle range was added in 1895 when the Still Room reverted to a kitchen.

Uppark House and Garden West Sussex

In 1895, Colonel Turnour-Fetherstonhaugh had this impressive New Gold Medal Eagle Range installed. It was the height of modern cooking, boasting a double oven and hob, cast iron range and warming shelf.

Find out what's cooking inside this state of the art kitchen range

Uppark House and Garden West Sussex

Antique pot cupboards were used in mansion house bedrooms to hold the chamber pot and seal off unpleasant odours. This discreet piece is usually closed meaning, to the unsuspecting eye, it looks like no more than a simple nightstand.

We're lifting the lid on this 19th century mahogany pot cupboard

A bell system dating from 1874 to 1893, made from brass and iron

Uppark House and Garden West Sussex

As the British country house grew in size from the 18th century onward, new methods of communication were used by members of the household to summon servants from distant quarters.

Did you ring, sir? An interesting article about country house communication through the ages

A cascade of small drawers open on the Pagoda cabinet — A close up of the Chinese style 'pagoda' cabinet, c. 1755-1760

Uppark House and Garden West Sussex

The Pagoda Cabinet

Although thought to have been commissioned by Sir Matthew circa 1755, it's likely he would have brought back some of the medallions from Italy. Despite the Chinese style, this piece was in fact made in England, although little record exists of exactly who by.

Take a closer look