Author Henry James' desk to feature in documentary

Many famous people have written at the desk at Lamb House in Rye

Work by the National Trust to restore the writing desk of author Henry James will feature in a new series of the BBC's Hidden Treasures television programme.

James lived at Lamb House in Rye, East Sussex, between 1897 and 1914, and wrote many of his most famous books, including The Wings of the Dove and The Golden Bowl, at the desk.

The National Trust said it had meticulously restored the desk and viewers can see the intricate process it required.

Kirsty Mitchell, collections and house manager at the trust, said: "It is a pleasure to introduce Lamb House and its own unique charm to a wider audience."

The programme will demonstrate how the trust brought the desk back to life, including structural repairs to splits in the wood, veneer restoration and stabilising the hinges.

The trust also made repairs to the writing room in Lamb House – known as the Green Parlour.

"Henry James remains an incredibly important literary figure, and being part of the restoration of his writing room was a very special moment for me and the team," Ms Mitchell added.

"I hope that Hidden Treasures brings a lot more visitors to this beautiful property."

Other famous residents at Lamb House went on to use James's desk, including E.F Benson and Harford Montgomery Hyde.

Hidden Treasures is to be aired on BBC2 at 21:00 BST on Friday.