Historic Lake District homes are set to feature on a BBC series later this month.
Hidden Treasures of the National Trust, on BBC Two will include Beatrix Potter’s Hill Top, near Hawkshead, and Townend in Troutbeck, home to the Browne family for over 400 years, and reveal their fascinating conservation stories when it is broadcast from May 16.
The series is narrated by actor Toby Jones. Each episode explores a different theme, linking the houses, their histories and collections as they undergo conservation work.
The first episode, on May 16, follows the journey of Beatrix’s doll’s house and its contents as it undergoes vital conservation treatment.
Many of the miniature accessories appear as illustrations in Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Two Bad Mice , written in 1904, including cutlery, a saucepan, and the food that the mischievous mice, Hunca Munca and Tom Thumb try to eat – but discover it is glued to the plates. It took around 300 hours of work to conserve the doll’s house and the 73 items it contains.
Hill Top’s property curator Katy Canales said: “The doll’s items were playful but poignant keepsakes for Beatrix Potter. Gifts from her publisher and fiancé, Norman Warne, inspired her illustrated story The Tale of Two Bad Mice.
“Beatrix held onto these delightful miniatures for decades after Norman’s death in 1905, later rehousing them in this doll’s house, which she acquired in her 70s. Beatrix welcomed the children in her life to play with this house.
“Now, in that same spirit, visitors can spotlight items in the house and discover the stories behind them. Our new display continues her legacy and invites everyone to be playful.”
Fascinating stories are uncovered in the Browne family archive at Townend, and viewers will witness the transformation of the exterior paintwork in episode two which airs on May 23.
Get a flavour of life in 18th century London through the carefully conserved Volume 5 containing many handwritten letters from ‘Young’ Ben Browne to his father ‘Old’ Ben Browne.
The Townend collection is nationally significant for its extensive nature, offering a rare insight into the social history and intricacies of rural life in Westmorland spanning over 400 years.
Emma Wright, collections and house manager at Townend, said: “Townend is a historic treasure trove with an unrivalled collection of rare books and artefacts connected to the Browne family who lived here.
“It’s a small farmhouse in a rural hamlet so being featured in this programme offers access to far more people than could visit in a year. Our team of volunteers and specialists put so much care into looking after the collection and sharing their passion for this place, so we are excited to bring it to a wider audience.”
Hidden Treasures of the National Trust is on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer from May 16.
