Leeds Castle acquires historic piece from Lady Baillie’s ‘lost’ collection as item goes on public display for the first time 

The historic Leeds Castle in Kent will today unveil a prominent piece of furniture from former owner Olive, Lady Baillie’s ‘lost collection’, placing the object on public display for the first time in its history.  

The exquisite secretaire à abattant (writing desk), sold off following Lady Baillie’s death in 1974, has been acquired by Leeds Castle Foundation thanks to generous funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and the dedicated efforts of the Castle’s curatorial team. 

Designed by the esteemed 20th century designer Stéphane Boudin and intricately painted in trompe l’oeil (from French meaning ‘to deceive the eye’) by Roger Natter, the secrétaire will be re-united with two existing Boudin commodes already in situ within the castle. Its acquisition into the Leeds Castle collection is the first time that an object has been returned to Lady Baillie’s original collection. 

The installation of the historically important secretaire at Leeds Castle will allow visitors a rare opportunity to appreciate the creative genius of Stéphane Boudin and Lady Baillie’s collecting legacy, as well as to view the three masterpieces together for the first time. 

Boudin, whose expertise earned him the soubriquet the ‘decorator’s decorator’, partnered with Lady Baillie from 1935 until his death in 1967 to create many of the interiors within the castle, including the Blue Bedroom, the Library, and the Dining Room. Boudin’s global renown also earned him commissions with the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and he later worked closely with Jacqueline Kennedy to redecorate several rooms within the White House, including the Red Room. 

Anglo-American heiress Lady Baillie was an avid collector whose taste was wide ranging, encompassing large-scale textiles, paintings, furniture and small-scale objets d’art. Nowhere is her passion for French art and design more evident than in the interiors of Leeds Castle. 

Catherine Pell, Curator of Interiors and Collections, said: “Nowhere is Lady Baillie’s passion for French art and design more evident than in the interiors of Leeds Castle.  While Leeds Castle, Lady Baillie’s former home, contains many notable pieces of furniture, the acquisition of her secretaire greatly enhances our core collection. The 900-year-old Leeds Castle has long been known for its historical significance - with this new piece and our on-going research into Lady Baillie’s diverse collection, we seek to highlight the Castle’s impact on the wider twentieth century artistic landscape.” 

Over the last five years the Curatorial team has focused their expertise and resources on objects in the Leeds Castle collection with Lady Baillie provenance.  A major research strand for the team is Lady Baillie’s ‘lost’ collection (those items that were formerly part of her collection, but which were sold during her lifetime or following her death in 1974).  Lady Baillie’s secretaire, which was sold in December 1974, shortly after she died, fulfilled all aspects of the Leeds Castle Foundation’s acquisition criteria.  

Leeds Castle extends its heartfelt gratitude to the players of The National Lottery and The National Lottery Heritage Fund for their unwavering support, belief in the Castle's mission, and their commitment to preserving and enhancing our shared cultural heritage.