Gift Aid 2026 - Help Restore our Historic Clocks

Gift Aid 2026 - Help Restore our Historic Clocks

This year, your Gift Aid donations will support an exciting and essential programme to care for our historic clocks – including the restoration of a remarkable 18th-century Louis XVI mantel clock (c.1790) pictured here with our Head of Collections & Engagement, Vikki Duncan.

Crafted from elegant white marble and adorned with finely detailed gilt bronze figures of Venus and two playful putti, this exquisite timepiece celebrates the timeless theme of love.

The theme is sensual and delicate, the contrast of the figures with the whiteness of the marble makes this clock an example of an elaborate allegorical scene. These clocks were not just timepieces but central decorative elements for luxurious interiors, often reflecting themes of love, art and classical mythology.

Today, this delicate clock needs our help.  Its hands have become bent and catch as it runs, while the dial is damaged and broken in places.  Careful conservation is needed to restore both its beauty and function, ensuring it can be enjoyed for generations of visitors to come.

By choosing to Gift Aid your admission ticket you can make a real difference.  A Gift Aided ticket includes a 10% donation that enables us to claim tax back from the Government to towards the on-going conservation and restoration of the House, Park and Gardens.  If you are a UK taxpayer, paying this donation enables us to claim back 25p in every £1 to directly support this restoration work.

A small donation from you helps us keep history alive.  Thank you!