COUGHTON Court in Alcester is set to undergo vital conservation works this winter.

A selection of 16th – 19th century paintings will undergo extensive conservation work.

This includes checking the paintings’ condition, framing, checking of fixings, surface cleaning, and retouching and varnishing if required.

A 17th century tapestry, which partly depicts the mythical story of the founding of ancient Rome, is to be cleaned, re-lined and re-hung to ensure its continued presentation and stability.

More generally, the National Trust property will receive a thorough cleaning, using both modern equipment such as specialised vacuums, and traditional techniques with specialist brushes to clean the most delicate artefacts.

Stephen Spinks, general manager at Coughton Court, said: “Visitors love to take a look around the beautiful historic properties in our care, but most people don’t realise how much work goes into the protection and preservation of them.

“Work is taking place across the region to keep properties, and the objects in them, in the best condition possible. Just maintaining one site requires a huge ongoing programme of repairs, painting and conservation – with things such as dust, light and temperature all having a negative effect on properties and objects over time.

“By carrying out this much-needed work, our aim is to care for and protect these special properties for current and future generations to enjoy. The work is intensive, but we hope visitors would agree, very worthwhile.”