While setting up exhibits for a summer tour and tea, organised for The Shell Pensioners Association, I was struck by how many beautiful oriental patterns we have displayed in the house.

These were mainly collected by my great grandmother and grandfather, Muriel and Arthur Burnett, who travelled extensively throughout India and the Far East during the beginning of the 20th Century.

They had a good eye for design and colour, adding beautiful rugs, china and silks to the Kemnay House collection.