Object handling

Every day* between 11am-3.30pm in the Ante Room you have the chance to handle different items from the collection, ranging from pieces used in the daily running of the Manor and objects from the rooms, to items Baron Ferdinand’s guests may have used. Hear about their history and how the house was used and staffed. We’ll also explain how we care for the collection today, following Miss Alice’s housekeeping rules.

Items you could handle:

Call buttons – a set of leather covered electric call buttons which would allow guests to call for the assistance of a maid or valet.

Copper kitchenware – a copper jelly mould and small saucepan with lid, inscribed with Baron Ferdinand’s initials, F. de R, which were used in the original kitchen.

Iron – a 19th century iron made of heavy cast iron, used to press clothing and linens, which would have been heated in the fireplace.

Matchbox case – the outer case for a matchbox. Made from red leather and inscribed with golden letters. The personalised matchboxes, like other useful objects available to guests, might have served as mementos of their stay.

Menu for Queen Victoria’s visit to Waddesdon in 1890 – a copy of the only remaining menu for the luncheon for Queen Victoria’s, served for her visit on Wednesday 14 May 1890.

Two chandelier arms with candle holders – gilt bronze and crystal arms for an opulent chandelier, like those hanging in the Breakfast Room and Dining Room.

Piece of blue silk – a sample of blue silk which hangs on the walls of the Blue Silk Dining Room on the second floor of the Manor.

Door handle – highly decorative and either made of brass or gilt bronze with curved, swirling leaves suggestive of 18th century Rococo style that is associated with the reign of King Louis XV of France.

*Subject to volunteer availability