Julie Montagu, Viscountess Hinchingbrooke

At the heart of Julie’s work is Mapperton House, her family’s Jacobean manor in Dorset, England. Julie’s active role in managing and preserving the estate has helped transform Mapperton into a vibrant cultural and community hub, attracting visitors from around the world. Julie’s dedication to understanding and preserving history is further exemplified by her academic achievements. She’s currently researching for a Masters degree in Country House Studies and spearheads the Alberta Research Project, an in-depth examination of Alberta Sturges Montagu, the 9th Countess of Sandwich, an American heiress during the Gilded Age. This project, which utilises cutting-edge AI technology, holds the largest archive of any American heiress and won the 2024 ARA Volunteering Award.

Julie brings history to life through her captivating television appearances and digital content and now shares her passion for heritage on her YouTube channel, American Viscountess, offering intimate tours and behind-the-scenes looks at some of the UK's most iconic estates. Over the summer, Julie visited each of the shortlisted houses from this year's Award to discover more about collections. She filmed her visits, offering a remarkable glimpse into each of these houses and the chance to learn about the wonderful people behind their care.

Judging the 2024 Historic Houses Collection Award by Julie Montagu

It was an incredible honour to serve as a judge for this year's Historic Houses Collections Award, in partnership with fine art auction house Dreweatts, joined by an outstanding panel of experts. Our team included Dr. Nicholas Cullinan of the British Museum, Hatta Byng, Editor of House and Garden, Will Fisher from Jamb, who brought his renowned eye for style, and Will Richards, Deputy Chairman of Dreweatts. Representing Mapperton, I had the opportunity to explore these historic homes not only through the lens of my own passion for preserving history but also alongside such an esteemed group.

Our journey took us across the country, from sweeping estates to hidden treasures. Over several summer weeks, we visited each of the six shortlisted homes. And what a journey it was! Each home told its own unique story, reflecting the challenges, passion, and creativity of today’s custodians and curators. What made the experience truly memorable was not just the beauty of the collections but the spirit in which they were shared with the public.

The judging criteria were broad, allowing us to appreciate a diverse range of efforts by current custodians and curators of historic homes. We were not only moved by the significance of the collections but also by how the custodians had breathed new life into these objects, ensuring they would connect with today's visitors in fresh and exciting ways.

Abbotsford

The home of Sir Walter Scott, Abbotsford reflects his literary fame and passionate interest in collecting—not only the magnificent library but also objects of historical significance, including the crucifix and the legendary fabric of Mary Queen of Scots’ execution. Every object here has a story to tell, and exploring Abbotsford was like stepping into the pages of history itself.

Burton Constable

At Burton Constable Hall in Yorkshire, we explored the extraordinary eighteenth-century collection of William Constable. Alongside the eclectic Cabinet of Curiosities, the Burton Constable team has digitised part of their extensive Victorian music archive, allowing a new generation to connect with this rich heritage.

Deene Park

Deene Park introduced us to the legacy of Thomas Brudenell and his marriage to Mary Tresham in 1605. Mary's dowry is believed to have included part of the Tresham library, which remains one of the treasured delights on display in the Bow Room. Caroline Bendix, a specialist library conservator, has taken on the precious task of stabilising this collection to ensure its survival for the future. The work being done at Deene is a beautiful testament to the enduring importance of these literary treasures.

The Manor, Hemingford Grey

Meeting Diana Boston at Hemingford Grey and viewing the extraordinary patchworks created by her mother-in-law, Lucy Boston, was an unforgettable experience. Lucy's exquisite and original patchworks, which date back to 1938, are a beautiful historical record that peels back the layers of history. The craftsmanship and care evident in these works speak volumes about the artistry and dedication of their creator.

Waddesdon Manor

Built in the late nineteenth century, Waddesdon Manor is the creation of Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild, inspired by the chateaux of the Loire Valley. This was a house designed for entertaining and to display Ferdinand’s unique collections of eighteenth-century British painting and French decorative arts. We were also treated to the "Flights of Fancy" exhibition, which brought together the Rothschild passion for exotic birds and beautiful porcelain—a celebration of the life and work of the eighteenth-century painter Louis-Denis Armand. Touring the gardens and aviary, we could easily imagine the opulent gatherings that once took place here.

Grimsthorpe Castle

Since 1516, Grimsthorpe Castle, the final masterpiece of Sir John Vanbrugh, has been the ancestral seat of the Willoughby de Eresby family. A highlight of our visit was viewing an exquisite piece of fashion history, dating from the early seventeenth century—a rare find that added a unique dimension to the already extraordinary collections held at Grimsthorpe. We were particularly impressed with the collection of Royal thrones!

After much deliberation, Grimsthorpe Castle was awarded the prize, a recognition well deserved for their remarkable efforts. 

It’s hard not to be moved by the care, creativity, and passion that today’s custodians and curators bring to these houses and collections. Seeing them work tirelessly to ensure these treasures are enjoyed by generations to come made our journey as judges not just enlightening but also deeply inspiring.

~ Julie Montagu, Viscountess Hinchingbrooke