Snowshill Manor

For those who are concerned that they own too many things, here is someone who took this passion for collecting to colourful and wondrous extremes!

Charles Wade, a trained architect turned artist and illustrator bought Snowshill Manor, after returning from the First World War, to house his ever-expanding collection. Over the years until he died in 1956 he added not only to the collection but also to the house and grounds, taking pride and finding joy in handcrafted items as well as the theatrical display of his collection.

Today Snowshill Manor is owned by the National Trust in the UK and is open to the public. In its day it hosted royalty, writers, artists and craftspeople, some of whom came to see – and try on – the pieces in Charles Wade’s costume and textile collection.

Thanks to our reader who sent this in to share.