Belton House (1685), an exceptional example of Restoration architecture, has a world renowned library and collections of art, silver and ceramics.

It is typical of the 400 historic properties in the care of the National Trust which house over a million heritage decorative art items. Professional conservation of such items is the responsibility of the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation studio run by the National Trust at Knole, in Kent. Emma Schmuecker, Senior Conservator there, agreed this year to have three MA University of Lincoln conservation students for work-experience at the studio this summer.

​

The cost of this has been sponsored through bursaries given by The Counties Heritage Foundation and supported by The Lamport Hall Preservation Trust. To celebrate this CHF support of young conservators, a unique morning event was arranged. Talks by National Trust experts, James Rothwell, National Decorative Arts Curator and Emma Schmuecker, Senior Conservator, focused on the conservation challenges facing the Trust today.