Castle Howard, Strawberry Hill, and Stowe House, United Kingdom

This event is part of the Heritage from Home series and took place virtually on Thursday, June 24, 2021, at 1 PM (EDT). See below for more information on the discussion, including the event description and speaker information.

Event Description

Travel through the English countryside and step back in time to the eighteenth century to visit some of Britain’s most important historic houses and the gloriously designed landscapes they sit within. From the magnificent Georgian mansion of Stowe House and the dramatically baroque Castle Howard to the world’s first Gothic revival building, Strawberry Hill, join World Monuments Fund (WMF) Britain Executive Director John Darlington on a whistle-stop tour of three iconic British estates and walk in the footsteps of some of the country’s greatest architects, pioneering landscape designers, and intriguing personalities.

This month’s Heritage from Home tour release will be accompanied by a public event on June 24 that takes you on an extended virtual visit of Stowe House to discover WMF’s involvement in the restoration of the magnificent south facade and decorative interiors of the North Hall and Library. Uncover the fascinating story behind the return of Laocoön and His Sons and discover how a pair of lions link Blackpool to Stowe. Delve into the world of metal conservation, and learn about the process of replicating historic statues using traditional craft skills.

Joined by Nick Morris, Chief Executive Officer at Stowe House Preservation Trust, and Rupert Harris of Rupert Harris Conservation, John Darlington will explore why the return or reproduction of lost artwork is important for harmonizing the historic interiors and enhancing the visitor experience at Stowe and other historic sites.

Date: Thursday, June 24, 2021
Time: 1 pm (EDT) // 6 pm (BST) // 5 pm (UTC)

About the Speakers

John Darlington, WMF Britain Executive Director

John Darlington, an archaeologist, and author, joined WMF in 2015 to lead the British affiliate. Prior to joining WMF, he led the UK’s National Trust in North West England with a portfolio focused on historic mansions, gardens, and landscapes. He holds a number of graduate and postgraduate degrees, is a Professor of Practice at the University of Wales, and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. He is also the author of over 50 publications, and a regular contributor to The Art Newspaper and other journals.

Nick Morris, Chief Executive Officer, Stowe House Preservation Trust

Nick Morris has been the Chief Executive Officer of the Stowe House Preservation Trust since 2010. Nick previously served as a Royal Air Force Officer for 30 years in various appointments at home and in France and Bosnia and Herzegovina. He later joined Transport for London as the Director of Road Network Performance and subsequently Stowe School as Director of Operations before assuming his current role with the Stowe House Preservation Trust.

Nick has a bachelor’s degree in modern languages and master’s degrees in management science and heritage management. He is a graduate of the French Air Force Staff College.

Rupert Harris, Conservator & Managing Director, Rupert Harris Conservation Studio Ltd.

Rupert Harris studied sculpture and art history before joining the Victoria and Albert Museum’s (V&A) metalwork conservation department as a student in 1979.  In 1982, after completing the four-year diploma course, he set up his own conservation practice specializing in all metals and sculptural materials, ranging from small, decorative objects to monumental sculpture and architectural ironwork.

In 1982, Rupert was appointed Metalwork Conservation Advisor to The National Trust, and in 2003, was appointed Architectural Metalwork Consultant to Historic England. He is a PACR-accredited conservator-restorer, a member of the Institute of Conservation, and an elected fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

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About Heritage from Home

Heritage from Home brings viewers behind the scenes to some of World Monuments Fund’s most iconic sites around the globe guided by the WMF experts who safeguard them for the future. 

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