The Woburn Estate

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The Bedford Estates, LondonThe Bedford Estates, London

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Home to the 15th Duke and Duchess of Bedford, Woburn Abbey and Gardens have been closed since 2019 for major restoration. Now, with the work nearing completion, we are beginning to share glimpses of the meticulous work that has been undertaken. 

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The blue hour on the Woburn Estate. Before the sun comes up, the landscape looks a little different in the Deer Park. Mist settles across the park, the deer are often out, and the morning light creates moments like this. Captured by a member of our team, this photograph offers a glimpse of the grounds at an hour that few people get to experience. #WoburnEstate #WoburnAbbey #BlueHour #MorningLight #NaturePhotography
Since our 2019 closure, 98 paintings in Woburn Abbey’s world-famous collection have been conserved. Among the artworks that have been cleaned and restored is the full series of 24 views painted by Canaletto. Purchased by Lord John Russell, later 4th Duke of Bedford, in 1731, this is the largest single commission the Italian artist ever received. The result is impressive, with the set now returned to the Abbey and ready to be hung. The first image shows the mid-clean “tideline” on this Canaletto depiction of The Grand Canal in Venice, from the Abbey’s collection. The second image was taken before the clean and the third shows the painting post clean. Take a moment to compare the colour of the water and the sky. #WoburnAbbey #ArtConservation #Canaletto
Woburn Abbey’s Gardens are part of this new chapter. Excitingly, the new visitor entrance and facilities are nearing completion. Meanwhile, Humphry Repton’s vision for Woburn continues to guide our plans for the grounds. His Red Book designs, commissioned in 1804, have been used as inspiration for renovations in the Gardens for the last 22 years. From the renewal of structures, including the Rockery pictured, to the reinstatement of lost historic views and woodland planting, each project reflects a commitment to his original ideas. As a result, Woburn now stands as the most fully realised example of Repton’s work. #HumphryRepton #Gardens #StatelyHomes
Have you visited our new website yet? If so, you might have seen this image on the homepage, but can you guess what it is? Comment and let us know your thoughts. Bonus points if you can identify the significance of the markings. We will let you know if you guess correctly! www.woburnabbey.co.uk #WoburnAbbey #RestorationProject #EnglishHeritage
Detail by detail, Woburn Abbey is being carefully restored. Preserved, for the enjoyment of many generations to come. To receive exclusive details about the restoration project and details on our reopening in Summer 2027, follow us on socials and subscribe to our newsletter. The links are in our bio. #WoburnAbbey #Restoration #EnglishHeritage #bedfordshire
It was Ian Russell, the 13th Duke of Bedford, whose innovations changed Woburn Abbey forever. When he inherited the Abbey in 1953, it was in state of disrepair and it required a lot of attention. He took the decision to commercialise the family home and opened the Abbey to the public in 1955. He also opened @woburnsafaripark in 1970. In 1974, his son Robin, the Marquess of Tavistock, later 14th Duke of Bedford, took over the running of the Estate and opened the first of three golf courses at @WoburnGolfClub in 1976. More than 70 years later, Ian’s grandson Andrew and his wife Louise, the 15th Duke and Duchess of Bedford, are readying Woburn Abbey for its eagerly awaited reopening, following an eight-year restoration project. #WoburnAbbey #EnglishHeritage #StatelyHomes
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