Review: A Rothschild Treasury

A new exhibition space opens today (7 September 2019) at Waddesdon Manor, the fairytale house built in 1870 for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild. The new permanent exhibiton A Rothschild Treasury is a treasure trove of artefacts, many never before seen by the public. Here’s a brief tour around the stunningly beautiful and romantic interior of this unique country house.

A romantic dinner table setting at Waddesdon Manor photo Irene Caswell


Roccoco-style at Waddesdon Manor.

Stunning designer lighting in this blue room, Waddesdon Manor.

The unkonwn lady. A gold and tortoiseshell box.

As a teaser, here’s one of my favourite artefacts in the new gallery. Part of a Rothschild collection of gold boxes, this late 18th century box was possibly used for sweets. The beautiful sitter, sporting exquisite period millinery, is unknown. The painter is one of the most celebrated miniaturists of the time, Peter Adolf Hall. Read the full review at Travel Begins At 40.


L to R: Small gold box with Nazi inventory numbers on the base tells its own story; early glassware and ceramics from a archaeological expedition.

The wine cellars at Waddesdon Manor photo Irene Caswell

The Rothschild family have for many generations, collected a wide and fascinating range of objects, and the Manor is testament to their eclectic tastes. A sheer delight and if you visit allow a full day at least to explore the house, the grounds and the wine cellars. The Cellar Door boasts the largest stock of Rothschild wines in the world. www.waddesdon.org.uk


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