Insights and behind the scenes from our palaces
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.
Let Them Glow: Lighting Kensington Palace
14 July 2016
At Kensington Palace the curators have been busy thinking of the long term presentation of the King’s State Apartments. One of the questions that emerged during the 2014 restoration of the State Apartments was, how were the State Apartments actually experienced back in the 18th century?
Introducing Queen Anne's Throne Canopy Conservation
14 July 2016
Welcome to our Queen Anne's Throne Canopy Conservation blog where we will be regularly sharing progress on the conservation and redisplay of our new acquisition.
Whitehall Palace: Anne Boleyn's Favourite Residence
01 June 2016
On 1 June 1533 Anne Boleyn was crowned queen at Westminster Abbey. Anne processed from the Tower of London in a litter of white cloth of gold and wore fur trimmed purple robes on the day she finally became Henry VIII’s queen.
A Tudor wall under the White Tower
25 February 2016
Hundreds of years of history mean that simple building work at the Tower of London is never straight forward. Sometimes we don’t find very much, but during recent renovations to the White Tower shop we came across something we didn’t expect.
Leonora Cohen's Suffrage protest at the Tower of London
01 February 2016
Walking to the Tower of London from the underground station with an iron bar hidden beneath her coat, the Suffragette Leonora Cohen gained access to the Crown Jewels with a plan to protest.