The Vyne's collections
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at The Vyne on the National Trust Collections website.
The Vyne’s library collection
An 18th century school boy’s doodle of a cyclops is just one of the tiny observations methodically catalogued by the collections and care team. It formed part of the work to return the entire historic library collection back to its shelves following a major £5.4 million roof project.
Book cataloguing work reveals an insight into the past
Conservation storage
During the roof project the books were packed up and held in conservation storage. All the books have now been individually checked for pests, mould and physical damage. They were then photographed and cleaned before being returned to the library shelves.
Detailed cataloguing
Cataloguing the entire library collection gave a wonderful opportunity to record centuries-old margin scribblings, pictures and personal letters. The work has enabled these annotations and drawings to be recorded for ever and will now form part of the library catalogue.
‘There are books of children’s plays that the Wiggett Chute family used to stage theatrical performances when they lived here in the 19th century. The pages are littered with directions in the margins and you can see their names written beside the parts they were to play. They really draw you into this family’s world.
– Dominique Shembry, Senior Collections & House Officer
A wide variety of topics
There are a wide variety of books ranging in topics from theology and history to languages. Novels include those by Jane Austen who was a friend of Thomas Chute. A total of 2,419 books are held in the collection with many amassed by the Chute family over 300 years.
Recycling to create the library
William Wiggett Chute’s determination to save the house from decay has helped form the immense collection. He built the library from recycled wood and furniture where he could in order to save money. Some of the interesting decoration comes from the family pew in the local church and he even took pieces from other rooms in the house too.
A hidden drawing
The book of Ancient Greek drama was written in Latin and published in 1771. It belonged to 15-year-old William John Chute, who lived at The Vyne between 1757 and 1824. This book held a hidden drawing of a cyclops and could possibly have been drawn by William.
Mathematical calculations
Found inside the book Practical measuring made easy to the meanest capacity by a new set of tables were sketches of windows for The Vyne’s towers. These drawings were accompanied by complicated calculations made by owner Anthony Chute in 1746.
We believe he may have written in the book when he was making improvements to the house. Anthony must have used the book to help him take the measurements required for the improvements to the house.
Oldest book
The oldest book in the library is a 15th-century Book of Hours written in Dutch and possibly originates from Delft. This small book has a stamped leather binding with a brass clasp. The mid-brown exterior hides colourful and vibrant pages. The start of each hour is decorated with an initial painted with a blue background and gold overpaint.
Sharing new discoveries
The entire project was carried out in front of visitors so that discoveries could be shared as they were uncovered by the team. All drawings and annotations will be carefully recorded and available to researchers in the future.
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𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫: With both floors of the house still open daily from 11am to 3pm (subject to volunteer availability), you can savour the sight of fascinating treasures before the annual autumn deep clean begins and the festive decorations go up. The Sandys and Chute families made The Vyne their home for over 500 years. They accumulated beautiful and important objects and made significant changes to the house during their lives, which you will see as you explore the opulent state rooms and humble servants’ quarters. Marking 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen, you can enjoy exhibition 'Regency Revisited' and biweekly 'Jane Austen House Tours' for an additional £5 per person. On 26 September, we're hosting an Austen-inspired solo theatre performance. Read on for more information.
History of The Vyne
Discover centuries of history at The Vyne. Explore the people who shaped the estate, its royal connections to Tudor monarchs and its wartime role.
Things to do in the garden at The Vyne
Discover what to see and do in the garden all year round at The Vyne. Explore the historic summerhouse, see what’s growing in the walled garden and take a walk by the lake. Until October, look out for three stunning book benches from much-loved public art trail 'Sitting with Jane'.
Volunteer opportunities at The Vyne
Find out about volunteering with the team at The Vyne. Currently recruiting for a range of opportunities across the house and estate, find out how you could help protect this special place.
Celebrating 125 treasures in our collections
Discover the stories behind some of the greatest artworks and artefacts looked after by the National Trust, as told in a dedicated book, 125 Treasures from the Collections of the National Trust.
Introducing our remarkable collections
See the breadth of our collection of works of art, furniture and more: we care for around a million objects at over 200 historic places, there’s a surprise discovery around every corner.
Art and collections
The art and heritage collections we care for rival the world’s greatest museums. Learn more about the collection of paintings, decorative art, costume, books, household and other objects at historic places.
