Here at Cliffe Castle our major refurbishment is now in full swing. The fact that work has begun is fantastic but we now have to be extra vigilant to make sure that all of the collections are safely looked after. One of the things that we’re really proud of here is our magnificent red carpet with its gold Fleur de Lys design, which was specially woven to recreate the carpet that would have lined the stairway and hall in the 1880s. To ensure that the carpet isn’t damaged during the refurbishment we have begun to very carefully take it up and keep it in safe storage until work here is complete.
The landing feels a lot colder without the lovely thick warm carpet beneath our feet, we’ll be glad when it’s back.
Although we’re closed to the public, the staff here are very busy indeed. For the past couple of weeks we have been working in the basement, which on a summer’s day would normally seem a bit gloomy, but as there is a lack of sunshine outside we have been quite happy packaging things up, and exploring our treasure trove that is down there.
Pictured below is one of our more strange looking objects. Do you have any ideas what it could be?
There are also some beautiful pieces of kitchen ware which could be perfect for an Edwardian tea room scene at the Manor House Museum and Art Gallery in Ilkley. One of our favourite items is this teapot which although very well used has some beautiful floral designs on it and there is even a delicate little flower on the top.
It may be a bit ornate for the use in an Edwardian tea room but with it being a bit worn perhaps it could have been rescued from a local wealthy family who were going to throw it out.
We’ll post again soon to keep you all informed of our progress here at Cliffe Castle but for now all this talk of tea is making us thirsty, so we’re off to make a brew. Unfortunately it won’t be coming out of anything as beautiful as the teapot.
