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Beneath the surface: A hidden portrait from Stuart Scotland

Celebrate the return of a fascinating portrait to Ham House following eight years away on loan and in conservation. Discover more about the techniques which led to an unexpected and intriguing discovery.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Visit us 4 March – 21 July to see the return of a fascinating portrait to Ham House. The sitter was sixteenth-century nobleman John Maitland, Lord Chancellor of Scotland under James VI. He was grandfather to John, Duke of Lauderdale, who married Elizabeth Murray of Ham House. When his portrait was painted by Adrian Vanson in 1589, he was one of the most influential men in Scotland.

The display will reveal how conservators first came across a significant, potentially royal, portrait hidden underneath the figure of Maitland, and explore how the painting was subsequently conserved at the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio at Knole NT.

Included with admission; no booking required. Please note, this display is on the first floor, which is accessed via stairs. The house opens daily 12-4 (last entry 3.30).

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This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

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The basics

Accessibility

Please note, this display is on the first floor of the house, which is accessed via stairs.

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Ham House and Garden

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