Turning the page; A new chapter for Wimpole Hall’s Library
From Friday 27 June, visitors to the National Trust’s Wimpole Estate in Cambridgeshire can take a long-awaited step into the Library for the first time and experience the grandeur of the room as it was intended: immersive, atmospheric, and awe-inspiring, thanks to an innovative conservation project.
A Historic Room with a Storied Past
The library was built for Lord Edward Harley, the 2nd Earl of Oxford, by architect James Gibbs. For centuries, the remarkable historic carpet, a centrepiece of the room’s character, meant that access was limited to preserve its fragile fibres.
Unravelling the Mystery of a Masterpiece
Iain Stewart, Senior Collections & House Manager and Curator Apprentice at Wimpole Estate explains:
“The exact history of this impressive, hand-knotted, English carpet is still a topic of academic research. Research is currently taking place between Axminster Carpets Ltd., The National Trust and Oxford University to track down the story of the design, purchase and fitting of the carpet.
“Manufactured in linen and wool, it is assumed to be an Axminster carpet, dated to the 1760s, and probably designed by Thomas Whitty. This would make it one of the largest manufactured on a single loom without any joining seams. Confirming the maker and date would also mean the carpet is one of the few 18th century items that remain at Wimpole Hall.
“It is decorated with shells, palm fronds and garlands of English flowers, all on a chocolate coloured background.
“For centuries it has been a dominant feature of the room. In a Country Life article in 1927, Christopher Hussey wrote ‘the magnificent and immense carpet that covers the entire floor is, probably, the most important English carpet of its date in existence. On a chocolate brown ground, wreaths and floral designs are strewn in light colours’.”
A Conservation Breakthrough
Until now, the view from the doorway was the closest most visitors could get. But in early 2025, the estate's Collection and House Team, in collaboration with specialist textile conservators, embarked on a bold project to transform the visitor experience while safeguarding the historic integrity of the space.
Conservation in action
1927
Wimpole Hall's library from the south end photographed and included in a 1927 edition of Country Life.
Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future
In a carefully orchestrated process, the Library’s original carpet was surveyed, surface-vacuumed, and rolled into long-term storage by the National Trust’s textile conservation studio. In its place now lies a strikingly accurate reproduction, not woven, but printed using high-resolution photographic technology to replicate every detail of the original design.
The new carpet, created by Rutters UK, who also produced the reproduction for Wimpole Hall’s Yellow Drawing Room, allows visitors to walk freely into the room, and experience the splendour of the Library, without putting the original textile at risk.
Bringing the Library to Life
"This project is a wonderful example of the balance we strive for at Wimpole," continues Iain Stewart, Senior Collections & House Manager and Curator Apprentice at Wimpole Estate.
"It’s about preserving the past, while opening up new opportunities for people to connect with it in a meaningful way. The Library has always been a place of learning, imagination and inspiration. Now our visitors can experience that space as it was meant to be, not just seen, but felt."
Opening Doors to History
Completed in just six months, the project marks a significant step in enhancing access to Wimpole’s interiors, enabling more people to explore and appreciate the craftsmanship, stories, and history woven into every room.
Wimpole’s Library is now open for everyone to see, usual admission applies, free for National Trust members.
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