Exhibition: Treasures from Faraway: Medieval and Renaissance Objects from the Schroder collection

In the latest of its series of In Focus displays, Strawberry Hill House shines a spotlight on how diverse natural materials, from coconuts to rock crystal, along with trade networks with Asia and the Far East created new opportunities for European craftspeople to make objects of wonder for their wealthy patrons.

This exhibition shines a spotlight on the aristocratic habit of collecting valuable objects to create what were known as Cabinets of Curiosities, which developed in the courts of Northern and Southern Europe during the Renaissance.

The combination of rare and exotic materials and the skilled craftsmanship of Western goldsmiths is the starting point for Treasures from Faraway at Horace Walpole’s Gothic villa in Twickenham, which has been uniquely invited to display a selection of exceptional objects from this tradition, collected by several generations of the Schroder family.

(The exhibition is included in the general admission charge)