A NEW exhibition at Stourhead is inviting visitors to look again at art and question whether everything they see can be trusted.

‘The Secret Lives of Paintings’ lifts the lid on the hidden stories buried beneath the surface of artworks at the Wiltshire estate, revealing surprising details uncovered through modern conservation techniques.

At the centre of the exhibition is Stourhead in its Infancy, long believed to be the earliest view of the famous landscape.

However, recent work has turned that assumption on its head.

After undergoing cleaning and detailed analysis at The Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio at Knole, the painting revealed a series of unexpected hidden features – including a painted-out carriage carrying two passengers, horses and even a “coach dog”.

A close-up of the hidden carriage beneath the surface of the painting. (Picture: National Trust/Colin White/Tager Stonor Richardson)

Perhaps most intriguing is a mysterious monogram on the carriage, which may relate to the original owner.

The discovery has led experts to question long-held beliefs about the painting’s origins, including who painted it and even whether it depicts Stourhead at all.

New evidence suggests the artwork dates from around 1785–1800, later than previously thought, while specialists have ruled out the two artists it was historically attributed to.

An art conservator highlights the area where a painted carriage lies beneath. (Picture: National Trust/Lucy Fenna)

Cultural heritage curator for the National Trust, Claire Reed, said: “To find such an extraordinary discovery hidden beneath its surface is incredibly rare – and incredibly exciting.

“In a world of AI and fake images, it has made us question what we think we know about many of our paintings. We’re inviting visitors to be curious with us.”

The exhibition goes beyond a single painting, uncovering a range of artistic secrets across the collection – from “impossible” still life pieces to figures painted out of scenes and works that have travelled across continents.

“We want visitors to have fun hunting for clues,” added Claire. “Throughout art history, artists have edited reality. Today we use digital tools – but 300 years ago painters were doing exactly the same thing.”

Stourhead House is open daily until November 8.