New for 2018 at the Treasure Houses
Jan 24, 2018
There are lots of new and exciting exhibitions, attractions and events happening at the Treasure Houses of England in 2018. Here are just a few of highlights;
Beaulieu
A stunning collection of 28 Lalique glass car mascots will be on show together for the first time as the glittering centrepiece of The Luxury of Motoring, a new display which opens early in 2018 at the National Motor Museum, Beaulieu.
This brand new gallery showcases a selection of the most luxurious cars ever built and tells the story of their design, the people who owned them and the chauffeurs who drove them. Spanning the golden age of luxury motoring to today’s aspirational cars, perceptions of taste and class are themes that are explored through a range of fascinating objects, films and rarely seen images from the National Motor Museum Trust’s archives.
Blenheim
Perfect for all the family, Blenheim Palace will be staging a new Victorian themed exhibition for 2018. Discover the incredible lives of Victorian staff at the Palace and learn about how the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough lived during the Victorian era. From 10 February – 16 April, 2018 visitors can explore the veritable and vile Victorians.
Castle Howard
The Castle Howard Proms will return on Saturday 18th August 2018. Set on the sweeping North Lawn, this spectacular classical concert will be a night to remember for the whole family. For more details please check the website.
The Castle Howard Triathlon will be taking place on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd July with the new half marathon event added for the first time this year.
Chatsworth
2018 will see Chatsworth House and Garden presented in its full glory following the culmination of the 10-year long restoration project. The £32.7 million programme of restoration and conservation began in 2005 and is one of the largest projects undertaken at Chatsworth since 1828. A special exhibition will reveal how the work has taken place and celebrate the skills of the craftspeople who have played their part to ensure Chatsworth is preserved for many more hundreds of years.
Harewood House
In the Spring, Harewood House will be celebrating the 300th anniversary of Chippendale’s birth. Through a series of exhibitions, events and activities, Designer, Maker, Decorator offers a new way of looking at Chippendale’s work and a story unique to Harewood. Chippendale was born just 7 miles from Harewood in the town of Otley and in 1767, he received the largest commission of his career, to furnish the newly built Harewood House. The season will also include a contemporary response to Chippendale from artist Geraldine Pilgrim, with both internal and external installations.
Hatfield House
New in 2018, the restaurant onsite at Hatfield House will be managed by River Cottage and renamed the River Cottage Kitchen and Deli from March.
Holkham Hall
Enjoy the new exhibition at Holkham Hall running from the 25th March – 31st October 2018: Treasures and Trophies – The Making of Gentleman and a Great House. A display which follows the journey of Thomas Coke, Holkham Hall’s creator, on the longest and most influential Grand Tours of the 18th century.
Thomas Coke was, in 1712, an impressionable teenager tempted by gambling and cock fighting. Under the instruction of his guardians he was sent on one of the longest and most influential Grand Tours of the 18th century. The Grand Tour was the precursor to today’s package travel and allowed young aristocrats the chance to experience the arts, culture, society and history of parts of Europe. Leaving to gunfire and fanfare from Holkham, Thomas undertook a journey which inspired him to create the house and much of its collection that visitors can see today.
Woburn Abbey
Ever wondered what it takes to preserve and care for a great stately home and its treasures? Join Woburn Abbey on the 2nd March for the ‘Housekeepers Know How’ when annual ‘deep-clean’ comes to an end. At this time of year they will be getting the house ready to open to visitors at the end of March.
Every room is cleaned from top to bottom, involving scaffolding, specialist vacuum cleaners and brushes, and a lot of time and energy! Ornate plasterwork, detailed giltwood carvings and fragile chandeliers all receive specialist attention.
