After having made cash donations to Chelmsford Borough Council’s Hylands Restoration Fund over a number of years, the Friends present undertaking is to purchase period furniture and antiques which fit the historical period 1839 -–1858, the early Victorian era when the owner of Hylands was John Attwood MP.

In conjunction with Chelmsford Borough Council’s Museum Service the Friends receive catalogues from reputable auction houses to identify possible purchases within the Essex area. Free technical advice has been on hand from Lomas Pigeon & Co. Limited.

It has been decided that the aim should not be to fully furnish Hylands House so as to turn it into a museum. Instead it is hoped to furnish the House with a few key items that are sufficiently elegant and of good quality so as to blend in and enhance the period of these beautifully restored rooms. The furnishings should at no time become a burden or liability to the management whilst the House is in use.

A “shopping-list” has been proposed to assist with the selection process this list is for guidance only, but donations are always welcome. All items are secured and are restored (where necessary), cleaned and maintained by specialists.

The search for appropriate items for the House continues, and the relentless efforts of the Friends of Hylands House means that the resources are always made available through membership subscriptions, profits from the Friends Bookshop and surplus funds generated from the events, to help fund the next piece.

If you have a particular interest and/or expertise in antiques and would like to assist our team, please let us know. We are always grateful for any volunteers in whatever capacity you can help.