English Heritage is responsible for the care and presentation of an outstanding national collection of fine and decorative art, social history and archaeological artefacts from over 400 historic properties across England. Brodsworth Hall is unique. This is no glossily restored showpiece, frozen in manicured grandeur. 'Conserved as found', it is a mansion which has grown comfortably old over 120 years, a country house as it really was; still reflecting its original opulence, but well-worn, gently conserved and full of surprises. The paintings at Brodsworth Hall encapsulate the richness and charm of a country house collection. Many still hang in the same position as when the house was built for Charles Sabine Thellusson in the 1860s, surviving with the hall’s other wide-ranging collections. The paintings reflect the interests of several generations. There are two fine Thellusson family portraits. Paintings in the ‘old master’ tradition include a landscape by van der Neer and a seascape by Dubbels and Backhuysen. Nineteenth-century portraits by Margaret Carpenter, and an impressive group of paintings of racehorses by James Ward were inherited from the family of C. S. Thellusson’s wife, the Theobalds. The family’s dogs are also recorded in paintings by W. H. Trood and members of the family, whilst other amateur works and unfinished sketches are in store.