BBC RETURN FOR MORE HIDDEN TREASURES OF THE NATIONAL TRUST ON BBC TWO

The mystery of whether a painting of a beautiful youth is really of Lawrence of Arabia, an exquisite peacock dress worn by the wife of the Viceroy of India flutters back to life and the dolls’ house that inspired Beatrix Potter to write one of her most beloved stories, all feature in the brand-new series of Hidden Treasures of the National Trust, narrated by actor and national treasure himself, Toby Jones.

This year, the series showcases experts and volunteers who care for the 500 places the National Trust looks after – such as June, who gets down on her hands and knees in the marble hall at Kedleston Hall to count the cracks in its design masterpiece; Pete, head gardener at Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s Lake District farmhouse, who admits he is frequently mistaken for Peter Rabbit’s Mr McGregor; and archaeologist Martin who’s trying to unearth one last mystery from under the ruins of Corfe Castle before he retires.

From grand 17th century stately homes that became the front line of the English Civil War, to the country retreats that inspired some of nation’s favourite authors and a 20th Century modernist masterpiece that helped shape post-war Britain, each episode explores a different central theme, linking the houses, their histories and collections as they undergo conservation.

Fascinating stories are uncovered include the extraordinary miniature contents of Beatrix Potter’s dolls’ house at her Lake District retreat Hill Top, which appear in The Tale of Two Bad Mice, but now require a team of full-size conservators to preserve them for the future. And the mystery surrounding a beautiful and enigmatic portrait hanging in the modest Dorset cottage where T E Lawrence spent the last years of his life is solved.

Amanda Goodman, Commissioning Executive BBC Arts, says: “It’s a joy to bring another series of Hidden Treasures of the National Trust to life, showcasing all the intricate and specialist work going on behind the scenes. And to hear from the passionate staff and volunteers who help care for these incredible objects and buildings for us all to enjoy.”

Tarnya Cooper, Conservation and Curation Director of The National Trust, says: “Each of these programmes provides access inside our incredible historic interiors, gardens and parks for everyone to enjoy and offers truly inspiring moments of curiosity, wonder and joy...

"Our conservators and external specialists spend thousands of hours every year looking after the places and collections in our care. Hidden Treasures of the National Trust is a brilliant way of showcasing their expertise, patience and passion. This series has particularly highlighted the research that goes into understanding the meanings of our collections, their places in our lives and their national significance.”

Hidden Treasures of the National Trust is a Blast By The Sea production for BBC Two and iPlayer. The executive producers are Sarah Spencer and Sacha Baveystock. The commissioning executive for BBC Arts is Amanda Goodman.