Built for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild between 1874 and 1889 Waddesdon Manor overlooks the village of Waddesdon near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. The Manor, designed in the style of a 16th century French château, was commissioned to house fabulous art treasures as well as entertain the Baron’s guests. One hundred and twenty years later the Manor still houses one of the worlds finest 18th century French decorative arts collections. There are works by 17th century Dutch and Flemish Masters as well as portraits by Gainsborough and Reynolds.
Most famously the name Rothschild is associated with wine making and the Waddesdon Wine Cellar was created to house a private collection of over 15,000 bottles of wine some of which date from 1868. Now in the care of the National Trust, more than 300,000 visitors a year enjoy the Manor and its spectacular grounds.
MBL has a long and proud association with The Alice Trust and The National Trust at Waddesdon Manor.
MBL have worked with the Alice Trust and many main contractors on various projects and unique applications within the Manor and surrounding grounds and properties.
This has led to a special relationship with the Alice Trust where MBL is regarded for its prompt response and professional works on all aspects of the properties sensitive and often unique requirements.
Of the many varied projects carried out by MBL all have been conducted with close liaison with the Waddesdon Manor security staff and conservation team to ensure the sympathetic and aesthetic appearance of ironmongery combined with the highest security requirements.
Some of the projects have included the design and manufacture of three purpose made large folding wooden clad, steel and glass doors for the restaurant; the full restoration and conversion to electronic power of 19th century security roller shutters; the refurbishment to ironmongery and enhanced security to various external properties within the estate, including the Five Arrows Hotel, The Stables Block, The Dairy, Coach House Art Gallery and Windmill Hill where we were asked to manufacture a JIB door in an already existing large solid oak clad door.
MBL continues to work alongside the dedicated security and conservation teams at Waddesdon Manor to protect, restore and enhance all aspects of architectural ironmongery for the enjoyment of all the future visitors to this wonderful and historic location.
