Visitors to one of the finest stately homes in the Midlands will be able to get a rare glimpse behind cabinets that have been closed for hundreds of years.
Staff at Weston Park are set to unlock 300 years of history next month with their Behind Closed Doors event.
Its cabinets are normally kept closed for conservation reasons, but the new house trail will allow visitors to see some fascinating artefacts such as the 18th century Ivory Anglo Indian miniature bureau bookcase presented to the third Earl and Countess as a golden wedding anniversary gift.
The Marble Hall Japanese lacquer cabinet will also be opened to reveal its secrets. The self-led tours will allow visitors to learn about the individual artefacts, how they were made and about the people who commissioned the historical treasures.
Gareth Williams, the home’s curator, said: “The Weston Park Foundation has a responsibility to the nation to preserve these historical items for present and future visitors.
“For this reason the delicate and often priceless pieces have to be carefully preserved and so for conservation reasons the interiors of the pieces can only be exposed very occasionally.
“We are very proud of the many interesting items that reside at Weston and look forward to beginning our self-led tours which will enhance our visitors’ enjoyment.”
Tours will take place every Saturday throughout May.
By Becky Sharpe
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