A Day at Castle Howard: Watts 1874 in Conversation with History
Recently, the doors of Castle Howard opened to welcome a community of creatives, curators, and designers for a private event celebrating the enduring beauty of heritage interiors. Watts 1874 was honoured to attend, lending perspective to a project that has seen some of the house’s most historic spaces lovingly brought back to life.
Handmade Passementerie Tieback by Watts 1874, designed by Alec Cobbe
Crafting the Details: Passementerie at Its Finest
As part of the restoration, Watts 1874 had the pleasure of working closely with artist and restorer Alec Cobbe to create a series of bespoke passementerie pieces for the newly refurbished interiors. Every tassel, fringe, and braid was handmade and hand-dyed, ensuring historical accuracy while embracing the nuanced palette of the rooms themselves.
This collaboration brought a unique level of intimacy to the project. Far from ornamental, the trims brought a quiet refinement, echoing the antique textiles and gilded beauty of Castle Howard’s timeworn elegance. In many ways, they served as the final, poetic brushstrokes in rooms already rich with narrative.
Handmade Passementerie Tieback by Watts 1874, designed by Alec Cobbe
A Tour Through Restored Grandeur
Guests were invited to experience the transformation firsthand during a guided tour of the newly restored rooms. The Lake Sitting Room, Admiral’s Bedroom, and Gold Library were just a few of the spaces where layers of history had been reimagined with authenticity and grace. The textiles, whether in the form of brocatelle walling or Indienne stripe linens, spoke in the quiet, confident language of legacy.
Each room revealed how Castle Howard’s interiors have evolved not through reinvention, but through a deep respect for what already exists. The effect was immersive, timeless, and gently dramatic.
Remy Renzullo giving a tour of Lady Georgina's Bedroom
Creative Dialogue and Shared Inspiration
Following the tour, attendees gathered for a talk led by Alec Cobbe and interior designer Remy Renzullo, whose thoughtful interpretation of the archive has been key to the reawakening of Castle Howard’s visual identity. Their conversation touched on the complexities of working with historic material, the role of intuition in design, and the quiet thrill of finding continuity in the past.
Lunch in the estate’s formal dining space allowed time for ideas to continue flowing in conversation. The day concluded with closing reflections from Nick Howard, whose words captured the spirit of the house as both a living residence and a cultural landmark.
A beautiful lunch in the Long Gallery
With Gratitude
Watts 1874 would like to extend sincere thanks to Castle Howard for the kind invitation to take part in such a meaningful event. It was a pleasure to return to a setting that so beautifully reflects our shared commitment to preservation, artistry, and timeless design.
Howard Indienne in the Admiral's Bedroom
Explore the Indienne Collection
The fabrics and wallpapers featured at Castle Howard form part of The Indienne Collection, available through our showroom at the Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour. Each design has been redrawn from original archive documents, offering a rare blend of decorative heritage and contemporary sophistication.
To learn more about the collection or to book a private consultation with the Watts Studio, please click the 'Enquire' button or contact us directly.