On Saturday 14 September, a new exhibition opens in the Mansion at Tatton Park. The Hidden Histories exhibition delves into the rich history of those who owned, served and visited this magnificent country estate in rural Cheshire East.
The exhibition marks the first stage of the Hidden Histories project, which has been funded by Arts Council England's Renaissance Strategic Support Fund for English museums, and was awarded in 2012/13.
Amongst other initiatives the £63,000 grant has enabled Tatton to commission specialist research into the diverse experiences of those 'above' and 'below stairs' and the technological advances in the Mansion. This recent research will inform the future re-interpretation of some areas of the Mansion and bring to life some of the intriguing stories of those who lived and worked in this beautiful setting.
Previous and current research projects have lead to links between Tatton and John Rylands University Library of Manchester, Southampton University, Royal Northern College of Music, Manchester University, Manchester Metropolitan University and Leeds Metropolitan University, as well as experts from the National Trust and a host of very talented individuals.
The first phase of the project has concentrated on the kitchens and domestic quarters. Here, in this warren of rooms, the Mansion was run like clockwork to a strict and hierarchical structure. Just imagine the smell, the heat, the clatter and clamour of rooms once sounding with service.
It is these stories that the Hidden Histories project aims to bring to life. The new exhibition shares some of these initial findings and, with the help of a dedicated Project website www.hiddenhistories.co.uk and newly introduced iPad technology in the servants' quarters, it is hoped that visitors will be able to 'get under the skin' of what it must have been like to have lived and served here.pm
Caroline Schofield, Tatton's Mansion and Collections Manager commented,
"It has been extremely exciting to commission new research on the Kitchens and Servants Quarters here at Tatton. This first phase has given us baseline information so that we can now plan how we want to change our displays to make the stories come to life. The exhibition will share some of what we have found out so far."
Mansion opening times and prices
The mansion and exhibition will be open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday. Open 1pm - 5pm (last entry 4pm) from Saturday 14 September until Sunday 29 September and from 12pm - 4pm (last entry 3pm) from Tuesday 1 until Sunday 27 October.
Prices for single attraction entry: adult £6, child £4 (aged four to 15 years of age), family £16 (two adults and up to three children).
Totally Tatton Ticket (entry to three attractions: mansion, gardens and farm): Adult £11, child (aged four to 15) £5.50, family (two adults and up to three children) £27.50. National Trust members pay 50% entry to the farm. Park entry charge of £5 per car applies to all.
< Back to the newsThis beautiful area of Cheshire is packed with things to do. From the stately neo classical mansion to the award winning gardens, Tatton Park is also great f...
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