Painting will be brought to life at Lyme this Christmas

For the first time, Lyme will be opening some of it’s beautiful rooms for the Christmas season.

Decorated in sumptuous Edwardian style, this year’s theme, ‘A Country House Christmas’ is based on the childhood memories of Phyllis Legh, who lived at Lyme as a child in the early 20^th century.

“Phyllis was the daughter of the 2^nd Lord and Lady Newton and spent her childhood at Lyme during the Edwardian era” says Amy Carney, House and Collections Manager. “Later in life, she wrote ‘Treasure on Earth’ – her memories of growing up at  Lyme – and in particular, of celebrating Christmas in this great country house.

In the book she recollects ““There would be the Christmas tree with all its presents; games in the drawing-room, music and dancing in the hall, private theatricals in the Long Gallery; hide-and-seek all over the house, with people chasing each other in delicious terror the whole length of the long corridors; wonderful meals in the dining-room… and all the time everybody, particularly the grown-ups, happy, good-humoured, joking and jolly, ready at any moment to romp and play the fool”.

This Christmas, Lyme wants visitors to take in the atmosphere of what the house would have been like around 1905 – several rooms have been decorate in Edwardian style, a huge Christmas tree has been erected in the courtyard and another in the Drawing Room, both festooned with handmade decorations.

Swathes of garlands will be draped down the Grand Stairs where local choirs will be singing carols, whilst ‘downstairs’ in the Butler’s Pantry there’ll be children’s activities, including making traditional paper chains and scented pomanders –  which were used to perfume the house”.

Lyme has also harnessed 21^st digital technology as part of ‘A Country House Christmas’.

‘The Servants’ Ball’ at Lyme painted by Phyllis Legh, which will be brought to life using computer technology ⓒ National Trust Images

“By using computer techniques,  the huge portrait of ‘The Servants’ Ball’ hanging in the Entrance Hall will be ‘brought to life’” says Amy. “It was painted by Phyllis and depicts Lyme’s servants at their New Year Ball in 1908.  The dancers will appear to come alive and dance in the painting – it will look amazing.

Phyllis’s book, ‘Treasure on Earth’ has also been reprinted  and would make a lovely Christmas present for anyone who’s a fan of Lyme!”

‘A Country House Christmas’ at Lyme opens on Sat 26 November –Mon 28 Nov, then Fri – Mon until 23 December, 11am – 4pm.

For more details, and information about other National Trust Christmas events  go to www.nationaltrust.org.uk/northwest