Friendship
Friendship
Just before March 2020, in the “old era” pre-covid , I went to see the Tutankhamun exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in central London. I was very lucky and shown in early and spent a glorious hour slowly wandering around, looking at the works of art, the practical delicate objects of everyday life and musing on the endless fascination of the story and treasures. Everything was beautiful, of historical interest and crafted with such skill.
At the end of the exhibition, I was asked if I wanted to sit down and put on a headset to have a 3D experience – I nearly said no but then thought why not? It was not very long.
I was so glad I did as I was transported back to Ancient Egypt. I could look around, turn my head, look down, look up - I was there, it was so real. It was something I still cannot forget today, over two years later.
Moving on, over the last few years we have tried to innovate at Highclere. This is never easy when the “business “ is sustaining an antique castle which, in every way, needs to stay true to itself, cannot move and is a traditional industry welcoming visitors. Yet of course like every business we do need to think ahead and as the bills to restore are never-ending I regard it as a challenge to have a bright idea.
One endeavour was to create our Highclere Castle Gin business which developed into some possibly increasingly eccentric virtual cocktail parties during covid and is now forging ahead and commended for being outstanding. I also write books, each project something I really enjoy except when the deadline approaches. There is a new Downton film and some smaller requests to film, all of which is wonderful but more is always needed.
Putting it all together, I thought Highclere can go 3D and go where no other stately home has ever gone. In fact not many others have quite followed this path at all yet. Filming a room in 3D takes some time and, given the number of cameras on the one 3D camera, it is a process which has to be done in one take only. If I go wrong, I can feel the tension although the words are “don’t worry Lady C let’s do it again”. The next step is for the expert filming team to download each video which takes days.
We have learnt a lot. If we are outside in the garden, the filming team has to disappear into various bushes in order to be out of sight and there were various squawks due to nettles. But then the result is that it is just you (or whoever is wearing the googles) in the garden with me and you can almost bend down to pat one of the dogs, who are not in the bushes although that is where they would rather be.
It is also a way of going behind the scenes to see rooms in the castle that you cannot see on our tours, to have a look at where the housemaids lived or to sit and take time out to look round a room you have glimpsed in a film. We have made quite a few now and, given there are so many rooms or extraordinary places to explore, the plan is to keep adding: a world apart to explore.
There are also 2D videos and, building on the the concept, I thought we should meet up every Friday. One of the Dowager’s Lady Grantham’s amusing lines was “what is a weekend” and I thought that is where we should begin - at “Friends on Friday”. Next I thought we would add a monthly book club - webinars mean we can all meet together wherever we are.
However, as well as a virtual world of exploration and friendship, we need to bring in real events as well. We have we all missed it during the pandemic. “Friends of Highclere” will therefore also offer some bespoke events. A summer garden party just after Ascot - perhaps we could walk some race horses past the lawns to “channel” the social season! And of course a special Christmas event.
I do find Winnie the Pooh a helpful guide to life and he said “You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.” And “A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside.”
Friends of Highclere is a club for you to see the treasures and secrets of this extraordinary home and to bring us all together in every way though Friendship.
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56 Comments
Dear Lady Carnavon, wonderful idea. Would it be possible also from EU? Althoug I would love to visit again. Warm greetings from Germany!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Your incredible projects speak of an accomplished person who accepts new challenges and succeeds. Well done you, and we’ll done your team! I will explore the “Friends of Highclere”, because in friendship, the world is made better. While I have been so fortunate to have visited Highclere a couple of times, and lingered in Sally’s gift shop as well as the Egyptian Exhibit, exploring virtually will be fun until I can return again!
All good luck!
Best regards,
Charlotte Merriam Cole
Wonderful idea! Very innovative and inspiring.
Highclere is so fortunate to have such an outstanding couple protecting its dignity.
Thank you also for your outstanding posts. They always make my day!
Thank you - Sally's gift shop is hard to resist!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
what an inspirational idea! I will definitely sign up, and I wish you and Lord Carnarvon every success in this.
Kind regards,
Jane Bentley
Oh! My! Goodness! How exciting! I can hardly wait to receive my Friends of Highclere virtual reality headset so that I can start exploring!
Is that a tiny you standing in the crook of that giant tree? What a great way to demonstrate that tree’s majestic size!
And may I say before parting that you look absolutely GORGEOUS leaning against the wall in the sun in the closeup!
What an absolutely great way to start a rainy overcast Monday here!
Best wishes for a sunny week there!
Thank you!
Yes that is me! Thank you
Lady Carnarvon,
Once again I am amazed to read about your constant imagination and bringing ideas to life! The 3D images of Highclere are such a gracious way of inviting us into our favorite English castle and helping fond readers truly feel like Friends of Highclere. Since we visited in 2013, I have wanted so much to return, but that does not seem likely now. Age has its downsides! But now, I can be a part of a wonderful group of new friends! Thank you so much for this delightful opportunity from across the pond!! I am joining today! Hooray!
Martha G.
Yes, you can join on the friend plan - I spent some time thinking about it all and how to make it work given all the muddle at the moment around Brexit and sending things but this works. I know Highclere (and Downton) has many friends and fans in Germany.
As ever I always hope neighbours are friends as so many people in Germany are. I think Carson said "we must all travel in hope"
Welcome to Friends of Highclere! Thank you I will choose a book club date, as that is such a good chance to chat
Monday greetings Lord and Lady Carnarvon.
What a wonderful blog entry again. The photos are stunning and the new project you've undertaken is fascinating and beneficial to ongoing days of Highclere Castle. What wonderful Stewards of Highclere you both are. Congratulations on creating this new venture. Impressed that you can keep adding tasks to your daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually To Do List given all the responsibilities of keeping the Castle going!
Such a wonderful membership and I am excited to as a birthday gift to myself this week as I am a huge fan of yours and do have all the books you've written and puzzles sold in your gift shoppe!
By the way Lady Carnarvon, I have tried to become a Patron 3 times this morning and my application keeps being denied as a note pops up stating "The dob month must be in two numbers". When I click on the space to add my birth month of May words of all 12 months appear and when I select my birth month of May it only spells it out in a word and doesn't give me the option to add 05. I'll try again another day and hope it'll go through.
Excited for your new venture and certain it will be a huge success. Thank you for the offers!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
What an extraordinary surprise to have a new way to connect with you all and the Castle!
You, his Lordship, and your team continue to amaze and we are grateful to be able to support you a bit as you work tirelessly to keep Highclere Castle for all to enjoy.
This will be the next best thing until we make it over in person.
Warm regards from Williamsburg, Virginia.
Love the behind the scenes of Highclere and the gardens. The new Downton movies opens this week in Madison, WI. Love your stories.
Barb
What a wonderful birthday present to yourself!
Please try again to join Friends of Highclere, the problem has been rectified - it was how you and I write dates USA I think are month then day , we are day then month!!! It is now drop down so we are all together!!
Thank you for joining Friends of Highclere - i have packed up your parcel so UPS can collect tomorrow - I know I should really say so but honestly it all just looks lovely and the prettiest gold tissue paper!!!
Thank you
Brilliant idea! Keeping current with the amazing ways technology can allow us to, and it will perhaps appeal to yet demographic to appreciate Highclere!
Lady Carnarvon,
Thanks to your staff for fixing the DOB challenge with joining Friends of Highclere! After getting a quick response from Guy, I tried again and am now an official Friend!
Oh, the picture of you in the tree is precious! Like a Lilliputian!
Martha G
What a wonderful post- I saw the King Tutankhamen exhibit in Boston many years ago, as well as the One in West Berlin (when there was such a city) many many years ago and still marvel at the high level of craftsmanship from so long ago.
The 3D castle experience sounds wonderful and I loved the virtual cocktail parties!
What an enterprising and innovative venture. I’m always impressed by your breadth of vision for Highclere. I’ll certainly be joining and will eagerly look forward to the various events you have outlined. Living in the north of Scotland it sometimes feels a bit remote but this will be a real treat…..until I’m able to make the long trek down to Hampshire and visit Highclere in person.
Best wishes,
Sylvia.
Thank you - Welcome to "Friends of Highclere".
I look forward to greeting you at Highclere very soon
What a wonderful site. Thank you so much.
as always Jenny
Dear Fiona,
This was a lovely article to read! But I must admit my favorite part is *you* up in that tree!.... so adorable! I pray for only the best in life for your an your family always! If Highclere was a living thing, it sure would be happy; to have you taking care of it!
Sincerely,
Pamela
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
I was thrilled and a bit surprised to find out I was the first to join "Friends of Highclere." I can't wait to explore the house, grounds and to learn more about the ins and outs of Highclere. I hope to visit in 2023!
Very excited,
Pam
Eureka! I've just finished to complete the subscription ...Now I'm registered ! A new and long ( I hope) adventure can begin. A new cultural era begins ( I'm very interested in book club events...) Have a good evening
How exciting thank you!I just think we can have some fun... and I even clambered into a cedar tree for you!!!
Thank you so much!!!! I have wrapped up your gift included today and I forgot to add in the video about what you receive, that I am also sending you a really cute little illustrated book... it is a bit about Highclere and a bit about living with a film crew. It is only for Friends/Patrons and not on sale ..
I don't like heights either but I wanted to offer a 3D experience in a cedar tree...the camera was suspended in the tree too! The trees are so beautiful I was thinking David Attenborough!!!
Thank you and as we go I hope we can also offer friends advance advice about events and preferred access apart from the special friend parties!
Lady Carnarvon, I am so excited that Friends of Highclere is here. I just became a member! It has a way of making me feel close to Highclere Castle. Thank you to you and the Lord for making this possible. I am feeling much appreciation for you. Cheryl
Lady Carnarvon,
What a splendid idea, I would love to sign my daughter up for a wonderful birthday surprise!
I can`t wait to see the Downton abbey new movie.
Thank you so much for sharing the awesome photos & you look fabulous!
Best regards,
Barbara B.
I was thrilled to see the Friends of Highclere link in your post.
Needless to say, I became a patron at once!
Looking forward to all of the things I'll be experiencing.
Blessings!
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
What a wonderful and exciting concept. I wish you every success with this innovating project and I look forward to logging in and taking the 3D tours.
I also am very interested in the Friday afternoon tea webinars and the Book Club discussions. However, I note that the time difference between Sydney and London will make it difficult for me to "tune in" live. (For example, the Friday afternoon teas, which commence at 3pm GMT, will be occurring at midnight in Sydney.) Are those events only going to be broadcast "live" or will they be recorded for viewing at one's leisure?
Regardless of the answer to that enquiry and despite being unable to attend the friend's events at Highclere, this innovative project (and Highclere itself) deserve support. Therefore, I have signed on as a member/friend and left my dues on Mrs Padmore's fridge.
I feel very privileged to be part of this special group of like-minded people and to be able to support (in at least some small way) your visions for Highclere.
Yours faithfully,
Jeffery Sewell
Dear Lady Carnarvon,
Tonight we rewatched the first Downton movie in preparation for the latest movie! We are so excited to see the new journeys this week!
At the camera or drone's view, of the top of the castle, I told my husband I sure would love to see from that vantage point and here you are, today, on the roof, if that is the correct term. You look very comfortable surveying the landscape. I'm not a fan of heights so I'm not sure I would be so calm lol.
And however did you get up in that tree!!!???
Best regards,
Shelley in Virginia
Golly you are kind! Thank you - so many people ask about what is on various towers etc
That is really kind
Enjoy the movie!!! Thank you
I thought it would be so interesting to dangle a 3D camera above and get a different view of the tree...have not answered your question have I bu maybe I should head thee for a friends on Friday and how you!!!
With Friends on Friday I am debating the time but likely 5pm - late cup of tea!! But we are going to save them as a Library... having said that I can see book webinars which will be longer - will cause you the same problem and you might have. quite a few questions...so I hope this endeavour is of interest and grows so I can split the times and offer one coffee time for me as well
Absolutely love these ideas and your entrepreneurial spirit in bringing Highclere Castle and all it's riches and beauty to those of us around the world! Thank you - I so look forward to your Monday posts. Will check out the club!
Wonderful!
What great ideas!! Looking forward to a virtual 3-D tour, but will make it in person one day ♥️ See you at Friends on Friday for sure! Thank you for sharing your home, family (2 and 4 legged!), and musings with us!
Lisa
I am a bit late to the party, sort of speak. We are having our house painted, inside and out. I forgot how unsettling it can all be! A wonderful challenge.
At any rate, i love this idea! About to explore The Friends. BRILLIANT!
Thank you
Lady Carnarvon,
When I wrote suggesting a live webcam a few months ago, I had no idea what could be possible.
Such a clever way to support your efforts to sustain Highclere. I would love to join.
Bon chance!
Thank you - as ever step by step but I hope i can combine special access both through videos and in real life
You are kind, I think mixing special access in 3D 2D and for those who wish to visit, will be of interest! in fact I thought I could make it as conversational as possible and in the book club think about a theme and then choose a book from a shelf in the Library - one of you must choose!
You are far too kind - the thing is hilariously, I don't like heights ..
Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant.
Your friend from Las Vegas...
Rebecca P
What a wonderful way of inviting onlookers to truly experience the magic and beauty of Highclere Castle. We had the privilege of visiting and having lunch in your lovely home this past March and we were beyond delighted with your personal welcome and a very knowledgeable tour guide. We plan to visit again next year. ❤️
That is kind - thank you so much
Lady Carnarvon ,
You so wise. Virtual reality is very popular and it is smart to take advantage of it's existence. High Clere Castle has some beautiful furnishings.
I like Winnie-the-Pooh too. Thanks for the reminder of the saying you mentioned.
Bravo,
Phyllis Simpson
Dear Lady Carnarvon:
Thank you for this Monday blog. I am glad that you have been able to bring this project to fruition.
At the time of receipt, I was in Florida for an educational conference.
After reading the same, I submitted my information to become a member of Friends of Highclere.
A short time later, I received my Welcome book and package.
I look forward to the first of many virtual events.
Perpetua Crawford
Lady Carnarvon lovely pictures of friendship and lord Carnarvon have a lovely weekend and lovely to visit highcelere castle and fan of Downton abbey and thank you send me the email