Watch conservation in action

Ever wondered about the amount of care and detail required to conserve the historic and valuable collections of a wealthy estate? Then you could learn a lot by witnessing conservation in action in Tatton’s mansion this summer as they embark on a programme designed to give visitors an idea of how delicate and specialised this work is.

Working closely with the National Trust conservator each year Tatton’s mansion team carry out a rigid programme of cleaning and conservation to ensure that the mansion and its contents and collection are conserved as best as possible for future generations to enjoy.

The team undertake a wide variety of tasks, from buffing up a shine you can see your face in on the striking kitchen copper collection to delicately brushing the dust off the frames of priceless paintings with pony hair brushes.  Spare a thought for the person in charge of polishing hundreds of brass stair-rods for the many carpeted staircases in the mansion!

The first activity on show will be the cleaning of the delicate chandelier that hangs in the Card Room. The team will remove all the glass crystals and gently swab clean each individual one before carefully reassembling the chandelier.  Other conservation tasks planned for later in the year include deep cleaning, inspecting and photographing the Textile store and cleaning the Music room book collection.

During 2014 visitors to Tatton were able to witness conservation of one of the most important paintings in Tatton’s significant collection, The Cheshire Hunt. Oil paintings conservator and restorer Julia Dalzell ACR FBPACR carried out months of delicate work on the painting in front of the public.

The conservation in action venture is just one of a wide range of initiatives that form the Tatton Park Vision, a five year plan to develop new and existing experiences. In carrying out valuable conservation and restoration work to ensure that its collection maintains the best possible conditions Tatton Park will be giving visitors a `once in a lifetime’ experience.

Mansion and Collection Manager Carolyn Latham said ‘conserving the collection for future generations is at the heart of what we do in the house, our visitors are always fascinated to see the detailed work being carried out and the chance to get a closer to some of the wonderful items we care for’.

Visitors will be able to see Conservation in action in the mansion during June, July and September

Mansion opening times and prices:

The mansion is open to visitors in high season (until Oct 30th) from Tuesday to Sunday.

Open 1pm – 5pm, last entry 4pm (except 4 – 30 Oct when open 12pm – 4pm, last entry 3pm).

Prices for single attraction entry: adult £6, child £4 (aged four to 15 years of age), family £16 (two adults and up to three children).

Totally Tatton Ticket (entry to three attractions: mansion, gardens and farm): Adult £11, child (aged four to 15) £5.50, family (two adults and up to three children) £27.50. National Trust members pay 50% entry to the farm.  Park entry charge of £6 per car applies to all.