At 35 metres (116 feet) long, the barrel-vaulted ceiling of the Long Gallery at the National Trust’s Lanhydrock in Cornwall took conservation experts months to clean centuries’ worth of dirt and discolouration and to carry out delicate repairs.
“It’s been a huge project, and I can’t wait for visitors to be able to see the completed ceiling in all its glory,” says Nicola Heald, Senior Collections & House Manager at Lanhydrock. “The conservation team have done an amazing job: from applying new distemper to repairing unicorn horns, the difference to the ceiling is staggering.”
The Long Gallery ceiling can be found alongside a new exhibition about the construction of the Long Gallery, the people behind it, and some of the treasures of Lanhydrock’s collection. Visitors can also enjoy the ceiling from specially commissioned couches, allowing people to lie down and look up at the exquisitely detailed mouldings.
Comprising 24 panels with scenes from the Old Testament Book of Genesis, including Adam and Eve, Noah and the Ark, the Life of Jacob, and David and Goliath, they are surrounded by more than 350 different species of animals, as well as beautifully moulded plants and mythical beasts.
Created for Lanhydrock’s former owner, John Robartes, between 1620-40, the ceiling is a masterpiece of Jacobean plasterwork. John Robartes and the craftsmen took inspiration from manuscripts in his library and from printed drawings.
New research has shown that the beasts on the ceiling were copied directly from a book by Edward Topsell, a clergyman who published several books containing real and fantastical animals. A copy of the book is now on display as part of a new exhibition on the ceiling.
“We’re so lucky to be able to display a copy of Topsell’s book,” continues Nicola Heald, House and Collections Manager at Lanhydrock. “Looking at the illustrations and comparing them to the animals on the ceiling, it’s clear how closely the craftspeople of the ceiling were using it.”
“These animals weren’t just created as a talking point either. John Robartes was a devout Christian and the animals were used to show an appreciation of God through his creation of such magnificent creatures.”
As well as Topsell’s book, highlights of Lanhydrock’s nationally significant book collection are also on display, including an intricately embroidered prayer book belonging to Lucy Robartes, wife of John Robartes, which also includes notes in her handwriting.
“Lanhydrock’s library is one of the most significant in the National Trust. All 3400 books, as well as all the furniture, had to be moved for the work to take place in the Long Gallery. It’s taken us all winter to put everything back,” Nicola continues. “It’s great to be able to feature some of these fascinating books for the first time this year.”
The Long Gallery ceiling wasn’t the only conservation project for Lanhydrock last year. The Antwerp Cabinet has also returned to the Long Gallery, following 275 hours of conservation and research at the Royal Oak Foundation studio at Knole. The cabinet dates from around 1660 and shows off the best of skilled craftsmanship and precious materials from the time. The conservation of the Antwerp Cabinet was generously funded by the Royal Oak Foundation.
Lanhydrock house is open daily to visitors 11am-5pm from Saturday 1 March. For further information and opening times visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lanhydrock
Photocredit: National Trust Images – Steve-Haywood
