The Leeds Castle Foundation is a registered charity dedicated to protecting and preserving the Castle, the collections and the estate for current and future generations to enjoy.
From Lady Baillie and her 1930s country house retreat to our seven historic queens stepping out of the shadows, discover our remarkable history spanning over 900 years.
The Secretaire À Abattant is not just a beautiful piece of furniture; it exemplifies the artistry and design philosophies that influenced an era. Boudin, the design director at Maison Jansen, collaborated with prominent figures, such as Jacqueline Kennedy during the White House renovations in the early 1960s.
His partnership with Lady Baillie redefined the interiors of Leeds Castle through a unique blend of classic elegance and contemporary style, spanning over three decades.
Originally belonging to Lady Baillie, renowned for her exceptional taste and passion for collecting, this secretaire’s significance is heightened as it harmonises with two existing commodes within the Castle. This sets the stage for a rare opportunity for the public to view these masterpieces together for the first time.
Aims of the Project
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. The acquisition of The Secretaire À Abattant has been made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Thanks to National Lottery players, this addition will allow us to enhance our storytelling about Lady Baillie and her approach to collecting. It will also help us in telling the story of how she managed her estate. The desk will serve as a focal point in her private writing room along with the two matching commodes.
VIEW the secretaire in 3D
ABOUT tHE nATIONAL lOTTERY hERITAGE FUND
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is the largest funder for the UK’s heritage. Using money raised by National Lottery players we support projects that connect people and communities to heritage.
Our vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. From historic buildings, our industrial legacy and the natural environment, to collections, traditions, stories and more.
Heritage can be anything from the past that people value and want to pass on to future generations. We believe in the power of heritage to ignite the imagination, offer joy and inspiration, and to build pride in place and connection to the past.
Keeping you up to date with the deliverables from our NLHF Secretaire grant…
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Despite invaluable revenue from admission tickets and events at the Castle, there are never enough funds raised to carry out all the important conservation work required, please consider giving the Leeds Castle Foundation a charitable donation.