Conservator to reveal secrets of mansion restoration

Conservator Ian Fraser will host the talk and tour of the building at 2.30pm where he will explain the work carried out to restore four of the rooms in the historic Tudor-Jacobean mansion which is based in 1,500 acres of parkland in Leeds.

People can learn how the work was carried out in the four rooms – the Darnley Room, Mr Cutts's Room, the Red Dressing Room and the Still Room – as well as hearing about some of the problems and obstacles which needed to be overcome.

The talk will be followed by a tour of the rooms.

Mr Fraser said: "Temple Newsam House is one of the great country houses of England, and at times has been at the centre of English history. Almost all of its interiors were heavily altered during and after the war years, but since the mid-1980s a programme to restore its true identity has made considerable progress.

"The bonus for visitors now is that they get a much richer experience of fine and decorative art in context, as well as a deeper understanding of a great house and its place in Yorkshire's and Britain's history.

"Temple Newsam is very old and because of that it has many layers of history, which can lead to interesting discussions as to which period to restore a room to. The talk and tour on Thursday will give an account of the latest progress in the slow-burn rehabilitation of this fascinating house."

The restoration was carried out by Leeds Council with funding support from the Wolfson Foundation and the European Union.

Places for the talk can be booked by calling 0113 264 7321. Tickets are priced at 6.50 which includes refreshments.