A DISPLAY of ceramics which Beatrix Potter had on her mantlepiece has been recreated after curators identified the pieces using a photograph taken by her father.

The whole process was followed by filmmakers for a new series for More4, Cleaning Britain’s Greatest Treasures.

Narrated by Sheridan Smith, this series follows the work of some of Britain’s army of dedicated conservation cleaners who look after our national treasures.

READ MORE: Mayor congratulates Buddhist member on course achievement

At locations ranging from stately homes and museums to historic churches and industrial revolution factories, they show us the tools, techniques, skill and knowledge required to clean and care for all sorts of historical artefacts.

As they work, they share their passion and insights into the objects and their original owners, as well as fascinating little-known gems of history, and sometimes they even solve their mysteries!

At Hill Top, Beatrix Potter’s former home in the heart of the Lake District, the programme follows National Trust property curator Alice Sage on a quest to recreate the historic mantelpiece display.

The mantelpiece was photographed in 1912 by Beatrix’s father Rupert Potter and, after discovering the photo, Alice was determined to recreate the mantelpiece as Beatrix Potter would have known it.

Alice said: “We were fortunate in that the majority of the ceramics she had on show 110 years ago are still in Hill Top.

READ MORE: Famous parrots hold birthday bash in the Lakes

"They all needed cleaning and one plate, a Wedgwood creamware plate with an intricate pierced rim was broken and need a professional repair.

"They were all sent to the National Trust’s Royal Oak Foundation conservation studio at Knole in Kent where expert conservators spent months carefully cleaning and bringing them back to display standard.”

The items included a Derby teapot with pink and gold decoration, which was even missing its lid back in 1912, and its matching plate.

Dainty cups and saucers were arranged in between gilded candlesticks, and miniature figurines of rabbits. 

The new series 'Cleaning Britain’s Greatest Treasures' will feature on More4 this summer.