ONE of the region’s grandest stately homes is preparing to open its doors to the public for its annual open week from Monday to Friday next week.
The Earl and Countess of Derby are inviting the public into their home as well as a special exhibition of paintings from the Derby Collection that are not usually on public view.
This year’s theme will be the Derby Women featuring historical portraits of female members of the Stanley family from the 18th and 19th centuries.
There will also be a special series of curated presentations of historical dresses and dresses commissioned by Lady Derby from the designer Ulrich Engler.
The Countess of Derby’s dresses on show will include her own wedding dress from 1995 as well as a series of haute couture outfits designed for her over the past 25 years by Ulrich Engler and the robes worn by the late Lord and Lady Derby at the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey in 1953.
A spokesman added: "This show, which is the first of its kind, will offer visitors and fashion aficionados a unique glimpse into the lives and worlds of the Countess of Derby over the history of Knowsley Hall."
Tickets for a guided tour led by stately homes expert curator Dr Stephen Lloyd are £18.50 and include tea, coffee and biscuits.
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