Victorian Christmas showcase at Leeds' Harewood House

The doors and grounds of Leeds' historic Harewood House will be opened up for the first time in five years for the festive period.
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To celebrate the new series of ITV’s Victoria, which is filmed at Harewood House, the shows creative director Michael Howells has created a five-week magical Christmas experience giving visitors the chance to explore the house in full Victorian splendour.

A Victorian Christmas will showcase the ways the Victorians created and informed the Christmas traditions we enjoy today, including Christmas dinner, carol singing, the Christmas tree and present giving.

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Display highlights includes loans from Ilkley Toy Museum such as Victorian board games, dolls houses, toy soldiers and rare dolls from the era.

Harewood House's Lord Harewood David Lascelles with his dog Isla, and decorations designer Michael Howells. Picture by Simon HulmeHarewood House's Lord Harewood David Lascelles with his dog Isla, and decorations designer Michael Howells. Picture by Simon Hulme
Harewood House's Lord Harewood David Lascelles with his dog Isla, and decorations designer Michael Howells. Picture by Simon Hulme

Visitors will also have the rare opportunity of exploring the gardens, which although usually closed throughout the winter months, but will be open until 3.30pm daily.

Michael Howells said: “I’m delighted to be working with Harewood House Trust for this event. Harewood has been an incredible place to work filming Victoria for the last two years and has provided us with some fantastic inspiration. It’s a special place, filled with history and wonderful stories to tell.”

Jane Marriott, director of Harewood House Trust said: “2017 has been a positive year for Harewood House Trust. We have had a fantastic response from visitors to our Victorian Harewood season so extending this into an immersive Christmas event is really exciting. We are thrilled to be opening the house for Christmas and to be working with Michael Howells on the project.”

A Victorian Christmas runs until December 31.

Visit: http://harewood.org/whats-on/event/victorian-christmas-at-harewood/