Insights and behind the scenes from our palaces
A closer look: "A Bugaboo!", a political cartoon by Richard Newton from 1792
08 November 2016
This month, I’m liking a political cartoon by Richard Newton - the angriest and the youngest of all of the known satirical artists.
Versatile Velcro: Queen Anne's Throne Canopy Conservation
01 November 2016
As we get closer to the installation date, our current priority is to ensure that all the hanging textiles - the seven valances and cloth of state - will be safely and securely attached for display.
Progress on the Coat of Arms: Queen Anne's Throne Canopy Conservation
18 October 2016
At first glance, the coat of arms embroidery appears to be one whole piece. It is however made up of 19 individual pieces, put together like a puzzle. The picture of the unicorn below shows that it is in fact made of four different sections.
Back to the Cloth of State: Queen Anne's Throne Canopy Conservation
04 October 2016
In July we told you about the hole we discovered behind the coat of arms when separating its layers for treatment. Two months on and we are in the midst of the delicate process of supporting the red damask.
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.