Insights and behind the scenes from our palaces
Protecting wildlife and their habitat at Home Park
22 November 2024
Park Ranger Eleanor Evetts explores the importance of nature conservation efforts at Home Park at Hampton Court Palace.
A Project To Dye For! Queen Anne's Throne Canopy Conservation
20 September 2016
It has been a time consuming process dyeing the support fabrics, net, ribbons and threads needed in the conservation of the throne canopy - 42 individual materials have been dyed to date! This requires accurate measurement, a steady hand, and above all, a meticulous eye for colour.
Queen Anne's Throne Canopy Conservation: Where Should it Go?
01 September 2016
In the Presence Chamber at Kensington Palace, HRP’s building surveyors unexpectedly discovered historic fixings in the corner of the room, suggesting that a throne canopy would have stood there in the 18th century.
Queen Anne's Throne Canopy Conservation: The Emblems
23 August 2016
These beautiful, individually made embroideries were worked in gold and silver thread over 300 years ago.
Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn's secret wedding at Whitehall Palace
22 August 2016
In the early morning of 25 January 1533, Henry VIII married Anne Boleyn in a secret marriage service in Whitehall Palace. Only a handful of witnesses were present: a chaplain, two members from Henry's privy chamber and one of Anne Boleyn's attendants.
Barbara Villiers' 'delicate' protest at Whitehall Palace
16 August 2016
Today Whitehall is the scene of frequent protests and demonstrations as it is the home of government and decision-makers. However, in the spring of 1662, Whitehall was the setting of a rather different objection – that of a determined woman against her lover.
Magnificent Metal Threads
05 August 2016
The metal threads on our throne canopy are remarkable survivors from a time when bling really was the thing! Sewn into the embroidered emblems and fringing, they would certainly have made an impact glistening with splendour in the candlelight.
Introducing the Cloth of State: Queen Anne's Throne Canopy Conservation
28 July 2016
The cloth of state forms the backdrop of the throne canopy and is made up of three layers; an embroidered coat of arms stitched to a silk damask hanging with a linen lining.
A Curator's Thoughts on the Queen Anne's Throne Canopy Conservation
15 July 2016
In the heyday of our palaces every audience chamber was fitted-out with a canopy like this one, along with a high state chair, stools and a dais (small platform), collectively known as 'the state'.
Conservation Begins on Queen Anne's Throne Canopy
15 July 2016
As a conservator, it's always exciting to get the chance to work on such a unique object. We are given a glimpse into the past: we can see how it was made, how it was put together and might even discover parts that we didn't expect to be there or find evidence of alterations.