Castle Howard's extraordinary modern-day resurgence: A monument's persistent defiance against time's passage
Castle Howard's 21st-Century Renaissance: The Restored Tapestry Drawing Room
The Tapestry Drawing Room at Castle Howard, a room renowned for its grandeur and decorative tapestry interiors, was lost in a devastating fire in 1940. However, after a significant restoration project, the room has been meticulously restored to its 18th-century splendour as part of Castle Howard’s 21st Century Renaissance.
The restoration process was a labour of love, involving the recreation of the tapestry decoration and the restoration of architectural features to match the original 18th-century style. This once-in-a-generation restoration reflects the significant time and expertise invested in returning the room to its former glory after being lost for 85 years due to fire damage.
The Tapestry Drawing Room is a key highlight of the 21st Century Renaissance exhibit at Castle Howard, which reopened in 2025. This exhibit, with a focus on conservation, history, and renewing many parts of the house to their historical state, showcases not only the restored Drawing Room but also other recently conserved rooms and collections. This exhibition illustrates the layered history and heritage of Castle Howard.
The restoration project at Castle Howard is overseen by architect Francis Terry, designers Remy Renzullo, and Alec Cobbe, with the Hon Nicholas and Victoria Howard serving as present custodians. The restoration is in anticipation of the 300th anniversary of Vanbrugh's death next year.
Simon Thurley, historian and former chief executive of English Heritage, describes Castle Howard as magical, romantic, and monumental. He praises the restoration of the state rooms as a remarkable achievement. The unveiling of the Tapestry Drawing Room will include John Vanderbank's original 1706 tapestries of the four seasons, dubbed 'Castle Howard's 21st-century Renaissance'.
Annunciata Elwes, the director of contemporary art gallery TIN MAN ART and an award-winning journalist specializing in art, culture, and property, is leading the restoration project. Before working at TIN MAN ART, Elwes was the News & Property Editor for our platform. She previously worked at The Sunday Times Travel Magazine and co-founded a literary, art, and music festival in Oxfordshire.
The house has been re-purposed, re-hung, and re-decorated, reviving Castle Howard. The Howards, present custodians of Castle Howard, have stated that the house has been a vivacious one, demanding lively evolution, and that they aim to continue this tradition. The fire occurred while the building housed the evacuated Queen Margaret's School and 100 or more girls helped to remove valuable works from danger. Local fire brigades took eight hours to control the blaze, but the east and west wings were saved.
For opening hours and more information, visit www.castlehoward.co.uk. This restoration project is not just a return to the past but a testament to the resilience and dedication of those involved in preserving the heritage of Castle Howard for future generations.
[1] Castle Howard, "21st Century Renaissance," [accessed 2023-03-24]. [2] The Art Newspaper, "Castle Howard's 21st-century Renaissance," [accessed 2023-03-24]. [3] The Times, "Castle Howard's Restoration," [accessed 2023-03-24].
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