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Have you ever wanted to know how to wax an eighteenth century chair, polish a Georgian silver candlestick, care for historic fabrics, books and floors? Then you can find out on Thursday 6 November at Mount Stewart House when the National Trust offers a fascinating ‘Putting the House to Bed’ tour.
As the leaves fall and days shorten, the mansion house takes on a new form and staff adapt to a change in routine. At the end of the season, doors close and the house is ‘put to bed’. Gone for another year are the thousands of visitors who came to admire the craftsmanship of the great house and the lifestyle of the Londonderry family in times past.
November to March is a resting period for Mount Stewart house, but not for the Conservation staff. The House Steward and her small dedicated team of Conservation Assistants, care for the exquisite contents and ensure that the house is in pristine condition for the arrival of visitors in the spring. In winter extensive cleaning begins, the rooms are dusted from cornice to corner and the collection is individually inspected and cleaned.
This guided tour demonstrating the delicate process of putting the house to bed for the winter starts at 7.30 pm and will provide a fascinating insight into what happens behind the scenes at this most popular National Trust property during the closed season.
Numbers are limited so early booking is essential. Admission is £12.50 and includes refreshments. For further information, please contact Mount Stewart on 028 4278 8387.
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