Iconic Dorset site to feature on BBC series airing tonight
The hugely popular series shines a light on the experts and volunteers who look after the properties and collections in the National Trust's care. Returning to BBC Two and iPlayer, the series will feature other National Trust places in the south west – Dyrham Park, Corfe Castle and Lanhydrock.
Scheduled for 9pm, the programme will explore the work going on behind the scenes to look after the incredible objects and properties in the charity's care. The series introduces viewers to the passionate staff and volunteers who care for some of the 500 places in the Trust's care, all narrated by actor and national treasure himself, Toby Jones.
Clouds Hill, the small cottage used as a retreat by T.E. Lawrence or 'Lawrence of Arabia', has been cared for by the National Trust since 1937, following his tragic death 90 years ago this year. The episode explores whether a beautiful youth depicted in one of the paintings on display is in fact Lawrence. The painting by Henry Scott Tuke, an artist that Lawrence very much admired, hangs above the fireplace in Lawrence's tiny four-room cottage.
Following the painting as it is cleaned and conserved, the episode also captures the detailed research undertaken by Senior National Curator for paintings, John Chu, as he tries to discover once and for all whether the man in the painting is indeed Lawrence.
Visitor Operations & Experience Manager, Rachael White, says 'it is a beautiful painting and our team of volunteers have often wondered whether the painting had been altered to look like Lawrence, or whether it was actually based on him. It is great we now know – but you need to watch the episode to find out.'
We would also like to thank the National Trust South Dorset Association supporter group and the T.E. Lawrence Society for supporting us with funding towards the conservation of the Tuke painting'
Amanda Goodman, Commissioning Executive BBC Arts, says: 'It's a joy to bring another series of Hidden Treasures of the National Trust to life, showcasing all the intricate and specialist work going on behind the scenes. And to hear from the passionate staff and volunteers who help care for these incredible objects and buildings for us all to enjoy.'
Tarnya Cooper, Conservation and Curation Director of The National Trust, says: 'Each of these programmes provides access inside our incredible historic interiors, gardens and parks for everyone to enjoy and offers truly inspiring moments of curiosity, wonder and joy.
'Our conservators and external specialists spend thousands of hours every year looking after the places and collections in our care. Hidden Treasures of the National Trust is a brilliant way of showcasing their expertise, patience and passion.
'This series has particularly highlighted the research that goes into understanding the meanings of our collections, their places in our lives and their national significance.'
Clouds Hill is open to visitors on Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun until 30 October 2025 for visits by guided tour. Booking is recommended to join a guided tour. Tickets can be booked via the National Trust website www.nationaltrust.org.uk/clouds-hill or by phoning the booking line 0344 249 1895.
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