Why floral furniture is blooming at Leeds Temple Newsam House
“Today it’s our job to protect and conserve it for the people of Leeds and it’s a real privilege to be able to share it with our visitors”
Visitors to Temple Newsam House will catch a rare glimpse of a stunning suite of delicate floral furniture this weekend.
The beautiful collection of chairs and sofas will burst into bloom in the house’s breathtaking Picture Gallery this Saturday and Sunday for a special one-off event.
Normally covered up to protect its incredibly intricate, centuries-old embroidery from the sun, the suite was supplied to Temple Newsam House in 1746 to serve as the colourful decorative border of an opulent “indoor garden.”
The historic furniture was originally crafted by James Pascall, a noted guilder, carver and frame maker more than 300 years ago.
Each of the chairs and sofas, as well as a lavish daybed, was upholstered with a distinctive pattern with the intention of creating a border of flowers around the room.
Its remarkable needlework is made up of thousands of tiny hand‑stitched coloured wool stitches and includes highly specialised techniques, such as French knots used to form individual sunflower seeds.
Maya Harrison, keeper at Temple Newsam House, said: “This incredible suite of furniture is one of the crown jewels of Temple Newsam’s collection and was originally designed to convey a sense of wealth, status and beauty which, at that time, would only have been available to elite aristocrats.
“Today it’s our job to protect and conserve it for the people of Leeds and it’s a real privilege to be able to share it with our visitors and to give them the rare opportunity to fully experience the house’s indoor garden in all its splendour.”
Widely regarded as one of Temple Newsam’s most magnificent rooms, The Picture Gallery was created in the 1740s for Henry, 7th Viscount Irwin and is one of the most complete surviving Rococo interiors in England.
Originally part of a much longer 17th‑century gallery, it was reimagined as a spectacular 18th‑century showpiece for entertaining and display, blending paintings, furnishings and decoration in a single immersive theme.
* For more information on visiting Temple Newsam House, including opening hours and admission, visit: Temple Newsam | Leeds Museums and Galleries | Days out and exhibitions