The Bookish Bradfords Exhibition

Weston Park's Granary Gallery is offering visitors a rare opportunity to see a selection of books from the Weston Park Library including the unique copy of Palladio's First Book of Architecture which contains detailed notes by Lady Elizabeth Wilbraham, on which she based her design of Weston in 1671.

The 'Bookish Bradfords' will run daily throughout December (except 24th - 27th and 31st) from 11am-4pm each day and will contain a select group of architectural books from the House's Library. The selection and display of books has been assembled by Rebecca Rowley, a post-graduate student of the University of Birmingham's Ironbridge Institute's Heritage Course. Rebecca, who has volunteered her time to create the exhibition comments: "Working at Weston Park has been a useful vocational opportunity and producing an exhibition like this has been a rewarding experience in bringing items into view which are not normally seen by the public."

Lady Wilbraham's Palladio book is not normally seen by visitors to Weston Park on account of its age and fragility. For conservation reasons it is usually kept in store, however it has formed part of exhibitions before in London and New York.

Also featuring in the exhibition is a massive folio of the eighteenth century architect James Paine's Works. Paine worked at Weston in the 1770's for Sir Henry Bridgeman and the book includes the engravings of his Roman Bridge and Temple of Diana, which both stand in Capability Brown's landscaped parkland.

Gareth Williams, Curator at Weston Park comments: "We are indebted to Rebecca for researching and creating the exhibition. The books in the Library at Weston are a largely unseen part of the collection, so for visitors to see these books without charge in the Granary Gallery is extremely exciting."

The "Bookish Bradfords" exhibition will change monthly, allowing visitors to see varying treasures from the House's Library and will run alongside the selling exhibitions.

The Granary Gallery is open daily and is free to enter. For more information please visit www.weston-park.com/gallery