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Admission Tickets Events Short breaks A Table Golf

Collection

The Rateau
Archive

When Olive Wilson-Filmer (later Lady Baillie) bought Leeds Castle in 1926, she commissioned French interior designer Armand-Albert Rateau (1882-1938) to turn her neglected new home into a luxurious weekend retreat. This unique collection of plans, drawings and photographs from the Leeds Castle archive is a fascinating record of that remarkable transformation.

Only a fraction of Rateau’s Leeds Castle portfolio survives in the archive today, but this collection is believed to be the largest body of Rateau’s work held by any UK organisation. This important resource has now been digitised and made accessible here for everyone to explore.

We would like to thank the Rochester Bridge Trust for their
generous grant which made this project possible.

Explore the ARCHIVE

Search or browse nearly 200 archive items

Plan your visit

Leeds Castle offers a wealth of activities, making it more than just a memorable day out. It’s the perfect destination for a romantic getaway or family weekend retreat, blending thrilling events and experiences with serene escapes and moments of quiet reflection.