Episode two delves into Knole’s rich history through the restoration of two remarkable pieces which will be on temporary display at the 600-year-old estate for visitors from 2 June:

The Sackville pedigree scrolls are elaborate family trees created more than 400 years ago. When they were new these almost seven-metre-long rolls of parchment would have been vibrant works of art filled with text and illustration in brightly coloured ink, gold and silver.

Compiled by highly skilled heralds, the pedigrees capture the story of the Sackville family back to 1066. Over centuries the scrolls have become brittle, dull and so fragile that they could no longer be unrolled. This episode will capture the complex and painstaking work of a conservator breathing new life into these objects and allowing them to be studied for the first time in 70 years.

The statue of “La Baccelli”, by Giovanni Battista Locatelli captures the elegance of Giovanna Zanerini “La Baccelli”, a celebrated Italian dancer, principal ballerina at the King’s Theatre and romantic partner of John Frederick Sackville, 3rd Duke of Dorset.

During her time at Knole, from 1779 to 1789, the “La Baccelli’s” statue was proudly displayed. However, John Frederick later married a young wealthy heiress, Arabella Cope, and Arabella consigned the provocative statue to the attics where it remained until the early 20th century.

Today visitors to Knole can see the sculpture in its original position at the foot of the Great Stairs. In this episode a skilful external conservator can be seen repairing fractures to “La Baccelli’s” cushioned daybed and hair, complete with a temporary headband to support her flowing locks.

Eleanor Black, Curator at Knole said “It was so exciting to see the pedigree scrolls, or family trees, unrolled in the house for the first time in over 70 years and notice the previously hidden intricate details of their design. The sculpture of “La Baccelli”, an 18th century ballerina from modest beginnings, sits defiantly in a grand showhouse filled with portraits of some influential people in British history. Conserving this sculpture means that “La Baccelli’s” story will remain an integral part of Knole.”

The Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio, based at Knole, also plays a crucial role in safeguarding multiple objects seen in several Hidden Treasure’s episodes including Beatrix Potter’s doll’s house seen in episode one and now on display at Hill Top, and the Dolphin Chairs featured in episode four which are now on display at Ham House.

This a state-of-the-art studio is dedicated to the preservation, conservation and restoration of objects from the 500 places in the National Trust’s care. Housed in a medieval barn, the expert conservators use modern conservation techniques and offer visitors a unique opportunity to see key pieces from the National Trust’s collection undergoing conservation. Specialists at the studio restore paintings, furniture, ceramics, and decorative arts, ensuring these treasures remain protected for future generations.

Emma Schmuecker, Studio Lead at the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio said “Collection items conserved at the Studio tell fascinating stories of local and global heritage. Whether it is Beatrix Potter’s dolls house from Hill Top – that inspired The Tale of Two Bad Mice – or a rare 17th century painting of Bridgetown, Barbados – that sheds new light on established colonial histories. The studio is a hub of expertise, where conservators, scientists, curators and historians gather to share their skills and knowledge to discover the untold stories of our collection.” 

Visitors to Knole can see conservation in action at the studio from Wednesday to Saturday, between 11am to 4pm and learn more about the meticulous craftsmanship, knowledge and skills required to look after national treasures.

Knole also allows visitors to explore its attics on various dates throughout the year, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the hidden spaces above the grandeur of the showrooms. These tours reveal decorated ceilings, historic graffiti, witchmarks, and artefacts found in the Retainer’s Gallery, South Barracks, and Upper King’s Room. Conservation work has also been left visible in places, exposing the craftsmanship underlying Knole’s structure.

Tune in to Hidden Treasures of the National Trust, on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer available now to explore extraordinary National Trust conservation projects at locations from the Lake District to Cornwall. Episode 2 features Knole in Kent and will air from 23 May at 9pm.