Spot the difference at Bowhill House Unique preservation techniques protecting historic furnishings
28th July, 2015
Visitors to Bowhill House would be forgiven for worrying about stepping over heirloom carpets and flooring.
However, the stunning historic property has revealed new, innovative and intricate techniques employed to preserve the paths taken during house tours, which attract thousands of people per season.
Carpets and floors in four rooms throughout the property, including the sumptuous deep-red 19th century chenille carpet in the house’s drawing room, have been partially covered by state-of-the-art protective replicas, produced by Kent-based specialists, Eyemats.
Such is the quality of the coverings, it is virtually impossible to tell where the replica ends and the real thing begins.
Helen Currie, House and Events Manager for Bowhill, said: “We’re proud of the fact that Bowhill is a living, working historical house; but it’s also a family home, so it’s vital that we protect the heirlooms and artefacts within it, including the flooring and carpets, some of which are exceptionally valuable. For example, one of the rooms at Bowhill features a nineteenth century carpet, made in the Savonnerie style, which was made especially for the fifth Duke and Duchess, whose monogramme it carries.”
“The replicas produced by Eyemats are exceptionally detailed, and when they’re pointed out during house tours generate a lot of interest and questions. Many people don’t believe us at first and have to take a closer look – and feel – for themselves.”
Kevin Thorndycroft, Director of Eyemats – which works with the National Trust Scotland, English Heritage and the National Trust, is particularly fond of producing replicas for working houses.
He said: “Protection and preservation of such important historic artefacts is absolutely vital for properties like Bowhill.
“We obviously don’t want to fool people, but we’re proud of the fact that our replicas can go unnoticed, must be pointed out during tours, or that they have very little impact on those still residing in the house. Bowhill is the perfect example of this.
“The replicas take our team of five between eight and twelve weeks to make and we go to great lengths to get everything as accurate as possible. For example, taking a series of photographs and colour-matching in situ to make sure we take account of different lighting in different rooms.”
The coverings are made in sections and joined on installation so that they can be removed as required for washing and maintenance. An extra, protective layer is placed over the original floor covering before the final, visible section is positioned on top.
Those eager to see for themselves can visit Bowhill House and Country Estate for guided house tours until the end of July, and then on 1st-3rd and 29th-31st August between 11.30am and 4.30pm (with the last tour starting at 3pm).
Visitors can immerse themselves in 600 years of family history; discover one of the world’s greatest private art collections, including works by Canaletto, Gainsborough and Reynolds; stunning, centuries-old tapestries and fabrics; an outstanding collection of French furniture; and fantastically detailed miniature portraits.
Entry to the Estate, including a guided House Tour and access to the Gardens is £10 for adults, £9 for concessions, £4 for children aged 3-16 years. Under-3s go free.
