Waddesdon Manor: new exhibitions for groups

Waddesdon Manor is offering a host of new highlights suited for groups wanting to explore the Renaissance-style château from March 2016.

The National Trust property found in the heart of Buckinghamshire is home to a collection of French 18th century decorative arts and was once also the country home of the Rothschilds.

Step this Way: the Red Drawing Room Opened Up

From 23rd March to 23rd October a new exhibition, Step this Way: the Red Drawing Room Opened Up, will give groups the chance to discover the central house of the room where Baron Ferdinand’s guests congregated before going into the adjoining dining room for dinner.

For the 2016 season, the 17th century Savonnerie carpet, commissioned by Louis XIV, is to be substituted with a reproduction of the carpet so visitors can inspect the paintings and furniture in closer proximity. 

Moreover, elements of Baron Ferdinand’s original arrangement of the room are to be reinstated, including a folding screen painted with monkey scenes and a fireplace full of ferns.

Ceramics exhibition

The work of ceramic artist, Kate Malone will be on show in the Coach House from June until 23rd October.

Malone will showcase her new work inspired by the gardens, collections and archive at Waddesdon. Using new clay-types and techniques, Malone has recreated the theatre of gourds and squashes created every autumn at Eythrope, a private garden created by Alice de Rothschild in the late 19th century.

Summer tea party

On 18th and 19th June, Waddesdon Manor is hosting Feast!, a tea party inspired by the historical ‘Baron’s Treat’ when Baron Ferdinand would invite local children to Waddesdon Manor to enjoy a tea party in the gardens.

Feast! will see the north front of the manor transformed with elaborately decorated tables for groups to enjoy a picnic and sample the food on offer from artisan food and wine stalls. There will also be a range of performances taking place throughout the day.

For more information including group rates, call 01296 653240 or visit www.waddesdon.org.uk/your-visit/groups.

Photo credit: National Trust Waddesdon Manor.