There is always conservation work to be done with a collection of this size and importance, and sometimes items need to be taken off site to be repaired, or have important work carried out.
The Normanton Bed
The Normanton state bed is an important early eighteenth century state bed. In 2015, major conservation work was carried out on its frame and upholstery. The bed was taken off site, and after six months away, was returned to the Normanton Room looking beautiful.
The work was carried out by A. T. Cronin Workshop Ltd of London, the fabrics were specially recreated by Humphries Weaving Ltd of Sudbury, Suffolk, and the braiding by Heritage Trimmings of Derby.
The project was overseen by Annabel Westman, FSA, an international expert on historic textiles and beds, with the help of David Freeman, Consultant Curator to the Faringdon Collection Trust.
You can read more about the project here.