FITTING a new carpet is usually quite straightforward.
But for a stately home steeped in history it can prove a bit tricky.
Tabley House on Northwich Road, near Knutsford, has just had a new bespoke carpet fitted in the gallery.
This is the grandest of the state rooms and also the setting for wedding and events.
It wasn’t just fitting the colossal carpet in such impressive room that posed a challenge, it was vital that it preserved what was already underneath.
Clare Pye, chairman of Tabley House Collection Trust, said: “We have wanted to replace the old top carpet for some time.
“It was never going to be a simple task though, as the new carpet needed to carefully cover and protect the historic carpet which is 200 years old.
“Also it couldn’t be fixed in the usual way because of the historic floorboards.
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“Having the new carpet follow the shape of the bay and for part of the historic carpet to still be visible to the public was also important.”
It took seven men to haul the huge new carpet through the grounds and up the stairs into its new home.
Clare added: “Fortunately Jorgus Carpets were able to meet all our unusual requirements and we are absolutely delighted with the result and we hope all our visitors will be too.
“The new burgundy carpet wonderfully enhances the room, and is sure to delight and impress Tabley’s visitors.
“We are also very grateful to the Friends of Tabley, whose fundraising events and activities have made this all possible.”
Tabley House is one of the finest 18th century Palladian style houses in Cheshire, built for the Leicester family by John Carr in 1767.
It is a Grade I listed building and houses a famous collection of furniture by Gillow, Chippendale and Bullock as well as paintings by JMW Turner, Lawrence, Dobson, Devis and others.
The Tabley House Collection Trust manages the museum and gallery on behalf of the University of Manchester.
For anyone wishing to visit the state rooms and the collection, Tabley opens from Thursday to Sunday, plus bank holiday Monday, from 1pm until 5pm.
Admission is £7 for adults and £3 for children or students with a card.
For further information call 01565 750151, email enquiries@tableyhouse.co.uk or visit tableyhouse.co.uk.
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