News from Harvington Hall

Following the successful completion of a major refurbishment at the Hall, a rolling maintenance programme of its contents has been initiated. A 17th century Italian walnut cabinet was the first item to be restored, and it has now been returned to the Withdrawing Room.

Two damaged dishes from the Hall's collection of late 17th century and early 18th century slipware have been repaired by Sara Lamb, Keeper of Archaeology at the Hereford and Worcester County Museum. Sara has also provided general advice on various aspects of conservation of materials.

An embroidery in the style of Queen Anne, originally part of a bed valance said to have been at Harvington Hall, has been re-framed to arrest deterioration of the fabric. It now has acid-free mounts, and special glass to filter out ultra-violet light. The embroidery is displayed in the Great Chamber.

The Great Chamber has had its chimneypiece completed, to complement the room's panelling. It has a surround in the style of about 1600, and is based on descriptions written in 1855 and 1872 by Father Brownlow, the Parish Priest at Harvington at that time. The chimneypiece bears a number of cartouches, some based on the originals previously transferred from the Hall to Coughton Court, the coats of arms of the others reflecting the more recent history of the Hall.

Jim Ranahan