There are still tickets available to take part in
Waddesdon Manor's special interest day on the 24th April, which will focus on
Fine Cell Work, a social enterprise that teaches needle point to prison inmates and includes a significant discount to Selvedge readers.
Built in the style of a French Chateau by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in 1874, with the garden and park designed by the French landscape architect Elie Laine. Waddesdon Manor was an incredibly ostentatious show of wealth and status even in the 18oos (there are photographs of him riding on a 'zebra' in them - he is actually a top a painted horse). However, now a National Trust property, the house, grounds and collection are open to the public and often host to events, such as this, that are far more egalitarian in style than the Manor's original design concept. Fine Cell work might seem a million miles away from such a place, however, the link is in Waddesdon's outstanding collection of textiles.
The day will include access to Waddesdon Manor's textiles collection, a tour of the ground floor with a focus on the significance of the collection and decor of the house - from Beauvais and Gobelins tapestries to the luxuriously upholstered furniture. Waddesdon's senior curator, Rachel Boak, will join you on a tour, highlighting a range of embroidered, woven and printed items acquired by different members of the Rothschild family.
Participants will also be able to view a special exhibition for 2015,
Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild's 'Renaissance Museum: Treasures from the Smoking Room at Waddeson.
Fine Cell Work trains prisoners in paid, skilled, creative needlework to foster hope, discipline and self esteem.
Special Selvedge reader offer for the Fine Cell Work at Waddesdon Manor. Tickets are now £20 (usually £50) per person excluding lunch. To book click here or call Waddesdon Manor on 01296 653226
www.waddesdon.org.uk
www.finecellwork.co.uk
(an example of some of fine cell work's current collection below)
