A Rothschild Treasury
This permanent gallery houses more than 300 objects made from rare and precious materials. Densely displayed and beautifully lit, the gallery presents an absorbing opportunity to enjoy and understand objects, dating from 100AD to the 20th century, made from rare and precious materials.
A Rothschild Treasury tells the story of generations of Rothschild collecting, and also reveals the interests and relationships of family members. See objects with personal connections, such as James de Rothschild’s coin collection, Baron Ferdinand’s watch chain, and Miss Alice’s seal and bracelet given to her by Queen Victoria. Highlights include an amber casket made in the 17th century, a mounted nautilus shell that once belonged to the renowned collector William Beckford, an 18th-century Mughal jade vase encrusted with precious stones and the Nelme Cup, a unique gold standing cup made in England in 1727.
A Rothschild Treasury not only reflects the Rothschild passion for collecting, but also the tradition of the Schatzkammer. These treasure rooms which celebrated the riches of the earth and natural world and were first created in European courts from the 16th century. Baron Ferdinand was so inspired by them that he created his own ‘Renaissance Museum’ in Waddesdon’s Smoking Room, now the Waddesdon Bequest at the British Museum.