52 - The Cucci Cabinets - with Yannick Chastang

Formerly belonging to King Louis XIV and displayed in his palace at Versailles, the huge cabinets known as the Cucci Cabinets are two of the most important pieces of furniture in the world - and if you have visited the State Rooms at Alnwick Castle, you will have seen them on display in the Drawing Room.

To find out more about these two stars of the castle collection, our podcast hosts Deborah and Daniel spoke to cabinetmaker and conservator Yannick Chastang, who worked for eighteen months on the Cucci Cabinets to preserve them for the future. We spoke with Yannick for nearly an hour on the full history of the cabinets and how they came from Versailles to Alnwick; how they were made, the decorative techniques that make them so special, and what they were used for; and his own part in the history of these objects.

Make sure to ask about the Cucci Cabinets on your next visit to Alnwick Castle so you don't miss them - and if you enjoyed the episode please let us know with a rating or review on your podcast platform!