The Long Gallery ceiling at Lanhydrock is a masterpiece of Jacobean plasterwork. One of the few parts of the house that survived the great fire at Lanhydrock in 1881, the ceiling underwent a major conservation project to clean and restore it, which has now finished. Work is now underway to take down the scaffolding in the Long Gallery and move collection items back ready for the house to re-open on 1 March 2025.
For the first time in its 400-year history, one of Europe’s most spectacular historic ceilings, depicting dozens of Biblical scenes, birds, and mythical beasts, underwent full conservation and repair throughout 2024. Created for Lanhydrock’s former owner, John Robartes, between 1620-40, the ceiling is a masterpiece of Jacobean plasterwork, and thought to be the work of the Abbott family of Frithelstock near Bideford.
At 35 metres (116 feet) long, the barrel-vaulted ceiling of the Long Gallery at Lanhydrock took specialists from Cliveden Conservation months to clean dirt and discolouration accumulated over centuries and to carry out intricate repairs. Using sponges and brushes, the specialists used warm water to clean the ceiling, mould missing parts, including two unicorn horns, and reapply a layer of distemper.
Comprising 24 panels with scenes from the Old Testament Book of Genesis, including Adam and Eve, Noah and the Ark, the Life of Jacob, and David and Goliath, they are surrounded by more than 350 different species of animals, as well as intricately moulded plants and mythical beasts.
Visitors were able to climb a purpose-built scaffold to see the full length of the Long Gallery ceiling up close and watch the conservators at work. Work is now underway to return the Long Gallery to its usual state, ready to re-open in March 2025.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness such a large-scale conservation project in action. Whether you are on the scaffold or enjoying it from ground level, you can be sure few people have seen this Jacobean plasterwork in as much detail since the talented craftsmen first completed it four centuries ago.”
2021-22
New surveys carried out in two phases between November 2021 and January 2022. The ceiling's existing finish was found to be flaking and patchy from previous ad hoc repairs, resulting in poor aesthetics to what is a nationally significant plasterwork ceiling. It was decided that a major conservation project was needed to restore the ceiling.
Find out when Lanhydrock is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.
Lanhydrock is a Victorian country house packed with layers of history and family stories. Discover a major conservation project on the Mansion route as the Long Gallery ceiling is restored, explore the lives of the Agar-Robartes children on the Family route, and meet the costumed servants below stairs who cared for the house and family.
Discover what family-friendly activities are on offer at Lanhydrock, from visiting the reimagined Victorian nursery to exploring the estate by bicycle.
From political scandals to personal tragedies, discover the fascinating history of the Lanhydrock estate and the many people who lived there.
Everything you need to know about organising a group visit to the Lanhydrock estate, from how to book tickets to the benefits you might receive.
Find out where to stop for food and drink on the Lanhydrock estate, along with the best places to shop for souvenirs and gifts.
