Cabinets Unlocked, 12-25 October 2024

Join us for Cabinets Unlocked, a rare opportunity to see inside these highly decorative pieces.

Opened just twice a year, the cabinets are normally kept closed to protect the pristine interiors from overexposure to light, and to avoid excessive wear on hinges and locks. These special bi-annual events coincide with the conservation team’s careful condition checks of the collection.

Twenty prized cabinets and writing desks will be opened and on display around the house, as well as strongboxes and a harpsichord. Two miniature cabinets, currently undergoing conservation work at the Royal Oak Foundation Studio, will return to Ham House and be on display for the first time in decades.

Ham’s collection of cabinets includes examples of marquetry, lacquer, and exquisite veneers from countries around the world including Japan, China, and Holland as well as England.

Highlights include the Ivory Cabinet in the North Drawing Room which dates from around 1660. In the Long Gallery, see inside three cabinets including the Marquetry Cabinet. Installed in Ham House around 1675, it is one of the earliest recorded examples of floral marquetry in England.

Our volunteer guides will also give short pop-up talks in the Long Gallery (subject to volunteer availability).

Cabinets Unlocked runs during the house’s visiting hours. Ham House is open daily 12-4 (last entry 3.30). Please note the Long Gallery is accessed via stairs.