Robert Bandy, manager at Hughenden Manor, the former home of Benjamin Disraeli, has said that involvement with Jewish Country Houses academics has led to ‘a transformative consideration’ of both the place and its collection'.
Hughenden has undertaken several exhibitions examining aspects of Disraeli's Jewishness, which were initially linked to the European Days of Jewish Culture, but then ran longer term. They went on to form a permanent part of their discussion and interpretation of Disraeli.
Rob has explained: "Year on year the collaboration with the JCH project has led to a deeper and more confident handling of a complex and sometimes challenging narrative which has enhanced not only our own understanding, but also that of our visitors".
"Our volunteers have been gradually transformed from a position of unease with discussing the topic and nervous about their choice of language to one of genuine enthusiasm".
Rob Bandy discusses Disraeli's Jewishness on the BBC's Hidden Treasures:
BBC Two - Hidden Treasures of the National Trust, Series 2, Episode 5
Hughenden Manor: a home for a prime minister by Robert Bandy in Jewish Country Houses (Profile Books, 2024)
