The treasure houses of Britain exhibition was one of the largest art exhibitions ever held in the United States. It consisted of over 800 individual objects lent by more than 200 collectors. Virtually all of the loans were from privately owned houses, which typically lacked on-site conservation and packing staffs. In spite of this, it was essential that all objects be carefully examined, conservators be identified to undertake the treatments, packing procedures established, and the packing supervised. These tasks involved a tremendous effort on the part of the staffs of the National Gallery of Art, the British Council, the National Trust, the two packing firms involved, and private British conservators. Throughout the project, many problems were encountered and resolved, providing experience which will be useful to those who find themselves organizing exhibitions in the future.