National Trust Welcomes Public Back Into Its Houses & Collections

Tuesday, 18 May 2021 06:00

By Jade McLean

Staff and volunteers for The National Trust welcomed guests back into its houses and collections yesterday (May 17).

In Sussex, doors have reopened to the houses at Standen, Nymans, Petworth, Bateman's, Alfriston Clergy House, Monk's House and towers of Bodiam Castle.

The trust says its staff and volunteers have been working hard to prepare the properties for reopening with social distancing measures in place.

Some smaller properties or rooms that can't accommodate social distancing will reopen later once Covid restrictions are lifted or when repair or redisplay work is completed.

Hilary McGrady, Director General, National Trust says:

"This is a big moment that we have all looked forward to for months as we welcome people back safely, to spend time together at their favourite properties.

"Hundreds of our parks, gardens and countryside locations have already reopened, but we know how much our members and supporters have been looking forward to returning to see our houses and collections again.

"Our places are nothing without our visitors there to enjoy them.

"It is a matter of huge relief, pride and gratitude that the places in our care can start to reopen following closure due to the pandemic.

"Not a single place will be lost to the public. The cultural treasures that are our shared inheritance are waiting - for everyone."

At Standen in West Sussex, a new exhibition will open in the house on 29 May with works by celebrity makers.

'Joy is in the Making' looks behind-the-scenes at the crafter, sharing not only their masterful works, but also the inspirations, emotions and deep sense of wellbeing that comes with the creative process.

The reopening of houses also coincides with the Trust's focus this year on its collections and the one million items it looks after, with many properties featuring in a new book celebrating 125 treasures in the charity's care.

Hilary McGrady added:

"We could not reopen so many of our places or carry out essential conservation without the patience and support of our members, visitors, donors and government schemes throughout this pandemic.

"And we are enormously grateful to our volunteers for the roles they have played, and will be playing again, as they return to our properties.

"We are also enormously grateful for the support we have had from public-funded schemes.

"All the support we have received has made the difference to the National Trust being able to continue its work and ensure that our places remain here for everyone to enjoy."

Entry arrangements for houses will vary so please check property web pages before visiting www.nationaltrust.org.uk