Airing on Friday May 10, the day before Surrey Day, Polesden Lacey will be one of the central stories when Hidden Treasures of the National Trust returns to the BBC for a second series.
Scheduled for 9pm on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer the programme will reveal new and compelling stories about the work going on behind the scenes of the National Trust to conserve incredible objects and properties and the passionate staff and volunteers who care for them.
©National Trust Images_Arnhel de Serra
Viewers will get to go behind the scenes while staff conserve a magnificent portrait of Dame Margaret Greville by Parisian painter Carolus-Duran. Polesden Lacey’s precious Fabergé collection is seen up close. Restoration work also takes place on the clock faces on the mansion’s historic clock tower.
“We are delighted to showcase the recent conservation work undertaken on Margaret Greville’s society portrait. The care and attention shown by conservator colleagues is a joy to share,” says curator, Alice Strickland.
©National Trust Images_Arnhel de Serra
“During conservation, we enjoyed seeing the colours in the portrait unveiled and speculating on Margaret’s choice of outfit. Margaret is possibly dressed for the Paris Opera in a beautiful velvet and silk cloak. We look forward to sharing our collaborative work on Margaret Greville’s portrait, the colours now as vivid as the day it left Carolus Duran’s studio.”
©National Trust Images_James Beck
Timed for the broadcast of BBC television series Hidden Treasures, a new display room has opened at Polesden Lacey, themed as a conservation studio.
It tells the story of Margaret Greville’s portrait by Carolus-Duran, recently conserved at the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio, Knole. It is seen alongside new research into the exquisite fashion and fabrics worn by her in the painting.
- Polesden Lacey is open daily. Visitors will be able to see the Fabergé egg and the newly conserved portrait of Dame Margaret Greville by Carolus-Duran and handle swatches of fabric and designs for her dress.
©National Trust Images_Arnhel de Serra
