Visitors are to be given a rare opportunity to see close up how unique objects are preserved at a historic Leeds house.
Specialist textile conservators led by Alison Lister, will be in situ at Temple Newsam House on 5 and 6 June, as they work on a daybed and a settee which was made for the first Duke of Leeds in about 1700. Funding for the project has been provided by the Monument Trust, and Arts Council England.
The Leeds Suite, which was given to Temple Newsam House in 1950 by Leeds born collector Sir Henry Price, is often referred to as one of the finest examples of late 17th century furniture and still has its original upholstery, including its cushions. Featuring in the preservative work will be the velvet upholstery and beautiful fringe trimmings which are over 300 years old.
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Conservation work is also going to start on a late 17th century beadwork mirror recently acquired by Leeds Museums and Galleries thanks to funding from Leeds City Council, The ArtFund and a V&A Purchase Grant. The intricate nature of restorative detail needed to be undertaken on the mirror will mean it has to be taken to a specialist conservation studio, before going on display once again for visitors to enjoy at Temple Newsam.
Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s executive member for leisure and skills said:
“We are extremely fortunate to have a fantastic range of pieces and objects dating back hundreds of years in our museum and gallery collections.
“In order to ensure they remain in excellent condition an amazing amount of time and effort is put in by our team, and as part of this unique opportunity, we are giving visitors the chance to see this work be undertaken on 17th century furniture located in the Crimson Bedroom at Temple Newsam House.
“This really is not to be missed, and will provide a great insight into the attention to detail that has to be made to our collections to keep them looking so great for visitors.”
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