Hidden Heritage

HeritageXplore

Hosted by Violet Manners — Viscountess Garnock (née Lady Violet Manners) — this series explores the lives of those shaped, influenced or quietly drawn towards heritage. Some guests grew up inside historic houses, as Violet did.Some work behind the scenes preserving them.Others simply fell in love with old places and found that fascination shaping the course of their lives. These are conversations about ambition, memory, risk, family and belonging — with heritage woven throughout. Because heritage is never just about buildings. It is about the people drawn to them, shaped by them, and sometimes changed because of them.

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    Filming in Historic Houses: Opportunity, Risk and Reality.

    Filming & Events in Historic Houses: What It Really Involves Filming and large-scale events can provide historic houses with vital income and global visibility. Yet behind every beautifully shot scene lies a complex reality of negotiation, risk management and strategic decision-making. In this episode of Hidden Heritage, Violet is joined by Naomi Nettleton, who advises historic estates on filming and venue agreements, and Charles Lister, House Manager at Boughton House, who brings more than three decades of practical experience managing productions on site.Together they explore what owners should consider before agreeing to filming, how commercial terms are structured, and how houses can protect their long-term interests while embracing new opportunities. The conversation moves beyond the glamour often associated with film locations to examine the operational pressures, legal frameworks and reputational implications that shape these decisions. This discussion forms part of Hidden Heritage’s ongoing collaboration with Charles Russell Speechlys, whose Private Client and Heritage teams work closely with estates and families navigating the evolving commercial landscape of historic property. For further insight into their work with historic houses and heritage assets, listeners can explore www.charlesrussellspeechlys.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    45 min

  2. 18 MAR

    India Hicks: Born Into History, Living Between Worlds

    In this episode of Violet Manners in Hidden Heritage, Violet is joined by designer, writer and entrepreneur India Hicks - a woman born into history who chose to build her life somewhere entirely her own. The daughter of Lady Pamela Hicks and the legendary designer David Hicks, India grew up at the intersection of royal history and radical interior design. Her mother stood at the heart of 20th-century royal life. Her father reshaped the visual language of Britain’s great houses. And yet India chose Harbour Island in the Bahamas. In this conversation, India reflects on: Growing up between tradition and reinvention Who Lady Pamela truly was behind closed doors The influence of Lord Mountbatten Her father’s creative audacity Recording the podcast conversations that brought her mother’s voice to a global audience Life in the Caribbean beyond the postcard image Her work with The King’s Trust Marriage later in life Reinvention, resilience and legacy A conversation about identity, inheritance and choosing your own horizon. 📖 India’s books: India Hicks: Island Style – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0847841957 India Hicks: Island Life – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/084784851X Luxe Tours: https://www.heritagexplore.com/luxe/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    55 min

  3. 11 MAR

    Steven Moore: The Stories Objects Tell You

    In this episode of Hidden Heritage, Violet Manners is joined by antiquary, broadcaster and storyteller Steven Moore — a man whose life has been shaped by objects, and the stories they carry. Known to millions through his appearances on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow and Antiques Road Trip, Steven has spent decades uncovering the overlooked — not simply valuable objects, but the human lives embedded within them. From early beginnings staging his own pottery exhibition at sixteen, to becoming one of the most recognisable and trusted voices in cultural history, his journey has been driven by curiosity, instinct, and an enduring belief that the smallest objects often hold the greatest meaning. In this conversation, Steven reflects on the formative influences that shaped him, from childhood stories shared at his grandmother’s knee to the mentors and discoveries that set him on his path. He speaks about Venice, a city that has captivated him for nearly thirty years, and how its layers of craftsmanship and history have deepened his understanding of storytelling. We also discuss his deeply personal book, The Stuff of History, a compendium of curious objects and overlooked lives, and why beauty, memory and material culture remain essential to how we understand ourselves. This is a conversation about attention — about learning to see, to listen, and to recognise the quiet significance of the things that surround us. Follow Steven Moore on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevenmooreantiques/ Discover his book, The Stuff of History: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1789294986 Join the HeritageXplore Club Waitlist: https://www.heritagexplore.com/?mailing_signup=d26ed21a76 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min

  4. TRAILER

    Violet Manners in Hidden Heritage is back

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    5 min

  5. 24/04/2025

    Living Heritage: Dr. Tristram Hunt on Museums in a Changing World

    In this episode, Violet Manners is joined by Dr Tristram Hunt, Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum and former MP, for a wide-ranging conversation about the role of museums in public life. They discuss how institutions like the V&A are evolving in the 21st century - from addressing colonial legacies to engaging new audience - and the importance of safeguarding heritage through education, storytelling, and civic engagement. Tristram reflects on the power of design to shape society and offers his perspective on the future of Britain's cultural landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    58 min

  6. 16/01/2025

    Hidden Heritage: Legacy, Preservation and Innovation with Bart Peerless and Sir Nicholas Coleridge

    In this episode of *Hidden Heritage*, host Violet Manners sits down with Sir Nicholas Coleridge, former Chair of Condé Nast, Provost of Eton College, and Chair of Historic Royal Palaces, alongside Bart Peerless, Senior Partner at Charles Russell Speechlys, to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities for heritage sites.  From the role of diversification and financial sustainability to the impact of technology on engaging new audiences, this conversation explores the balance between preserving history and adapting for the future. Sir Nicholas shares insights from his extensive experience with iconic British landmarks, while Bart provides a legal and strategic perspective on stewardship in the modern age.  Tune in for an enlightening discussion on how historic estates can navigate the pressures of today’s world while keeping their timeless appeal alive for generations to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 7min

  7. 17/12/2024

    Timeless Brushes: Exploring Art, Heritage, and Portraiture with Phoebe Dickinson

    Dive into the world of British artist Phoebe Dickinson, renowned for her evocative landscape, portrait, and still-life paintings in oils. Classically trained at the Charles Cecil Studios in Florence, Phoebe has showcased her work in solo exhibitions and prestigious galleries, earning accolades such as the RP Award and recognition in the BP Portrait Award. In this episode, we explore Phoebe’s artistic journey—from painting iconic figures like Carson from Downton Abbey to capturing the grandeur of Britain’s great houses and gardens. Discover how she bridges classical techniques with modern themes, breathes life into her portraits, and preserves heritage through art. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious about the stories behind the canvas, join us for an inspiring conversation with one of the UK’s most celebrated figurative British artists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    39 min
  8. Beyond Tourism: The Societal Impact of Heritage Sites

    17/10/2024

    Beyond Tourism: The Societal Impact of Heritage Sites

    Welcome to Hidden Heritage! In this episode, Lady Violet Manners is joined by Bernard Donoghue, CEO and Director of ALVA (Association of Leading Visitor Attractions). Bernard shares his insights into the UK's heritage sector, the challenges it faces, and his vision for its future.Join us as we explore: Bernard's journey from a childhood fascination with history to becoming a leading figure in the heritage sector The role of ALVA in advocating for and supporting the UK's most significant cultural and heritage sites The impact of recent global events on the heritage sector and strategies for recovery Bernard's top three destination recommendations for heritage enthusiasts Key Points 00:00:05 - Introduction of Bernard Donoghue and his background 00:01:28 - Bernard's early career and passion for heritage 00:03:34 - The definition and importance of heritage in the UK 00:05:01 - Bernard's experience at Visit Britain and the significance of tourism to the UK economy 00:07:25 - The role of film and TV in promoting heritage sites 00:10:37 - Bernard's first destination recommendation: Waddesdon Manor 00:15:02 - Discussion on the challenges facing the heritage sector post-pandemic 00:18:01 - Innovative approaches by heritage sites to attract visitors 00:24:17 - Bernard's second destination recommendation: Charleston 00:32:00 - The impact of technology on heritage experiences 00:41:21 - Bernard's vision for the future of heritage in the UK 00:54:20 - Bernard's third destination recommendation: Bristol Old Vic Theatre Guest Info Bernard Donoghue is the CEO and Director of ALVA (Association of Leading Visitor Attractions). He has a long-standing career in tourism and heritage, including roles at Visit Britain and as the Mayor of London's Ambassador for Cultural Tourism. Bernard was awarded an OBE in 2022 for services to tourism and culture. About Step inside Britain's greatest Historic Houses, gardens, and family homes through HeritageXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit www.heritagexplore.com Links and Resources ALVA (Association of Leading Visitor Attractions) Waddesdon Manor Charleston Bristol Old Vic Theatre Visit Britain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1hr 2min
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Trailers

Hosts & Guests

About

Hosted by Violet Manners — Viscountess Garnock (née Lady Violet Manners) — this series explores the lives of those shaped, influenced or quietly drawn towards heritage. Some guests grew up inside historic houses, as Violet did.Some work behind the scenes preserving them.Others simply fell in love with old places and found that fascination shaping the course of their lives. These are conversations about ambition, memory, risk, family and belonging — with heritage woven throughout. Because heritage is never just about buildings. It is about the people drawn to them, shaped by them, and sometimes changed because of them.

Information

  • Creator
    HeritageXplore
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    85
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 HeritageXplore
  • Show Website
    Hidden Heritage

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