Wightwick Manor reopens ground floor and De Morgan Gallery
A popular tourist attraction near Wolverhampton has reopened its ground floor and gallery to visitors for the first time since lockdown.
Wightwick Manor and Gardens, run by the National Trust, opened its doors on Monday to visitors with a host of new measures in place.
The move means people can now enter the ground floor of the property – as well as view the De Morgan exhibits on show.
It comes after a successful pilot was carried out across seven trust-owned properties in England and Northern Ireland.
The move forms part of a phased reopening of its 200 venues which have been closed since March 23 due to the pandemic.
Helen Bratt-Wyton, collections and house manager at Wightwick Manor, said: "We're delighted to be opening our doors, and not just our gates, to visitors again.
"Wightwick is a very special place and we’re looking forward to sharing its rich beauty and interesting history and the De Morgan exhibits with visitors again.
"Everyone’s safety is our priority and we are very grateful for people’s patience as we all follow the new safety measures that have been put in place.
"Opening the ground floor of the house and the gallery means that almost all areas at Wightwick Manor and Gardens are now accessible to visitors again.
"Our gardens opened in June, followed by the tea-room in July and the gift shop with specialist William Morris and De Morgan collections last week.
"Only the upper floors of the house are currently closed due to Covid safety restrictions but the iconic Great Parlour and key Pre-Raphaelite works of art in the collection will be part of the safe visitor route.!
One-way systems and limited numbers inside the house and gallery will ensure that social distancing is possible, while enhanced cleaning and hand sanitising stations will be on hand.
Visitors will also be requested to take part in track and trace and required to wear face masks while inside, whilst some interactive displays and room cards have been removed.
The National Trust will continue to operate an advanced booking system and tickets will grant joint access to the house and gardens.
The house, gallery and shop will remain closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
John Orna-Ornstein, the National Trust's director of culture and engagement, said: "We have received some fantastic feedback since we started to reopen our places in July and are incredibly grateful for the patience and understanding that visitors and members have demonstrated as we start to welcome people back to our houses."
For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wightwick-manor-and-gardens
