Insights and behind the scenes from our palaces
Using Heritage Science to Conserve Queen Caroline's State Bed
13 September 2024
Work on Queen Caroline’s much-loved State bed, which we care for on behalf of the Royal Collection Trust, continues at Hampton Court Palace and our attentions are now drawn to protecting the feet of this priceless historic object.
A Head in the Bloody Tower
04 December 2018
When I started my job at the Tower of London I fully expected to encounter extraordinary things every day. And true to form I was only onto my second week when a fragment of a wall painting on the upper floor of the Bloody Tower was revealed.
Conserving a Victorian Child's Dress Worn for a Wedding
18 May 2018
A new addition to our Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, this velvet and silk child’s dress was worn to celebrate the wedding of the future Edward VII; Prince Albert Edward, the eldest son of Queen Victoria and Princess Alexandra of Denmark on 10 March 1863.
Queen Victoria's petticoat wrapped up!
18 December 2017
In the last post we saw how Queen Victoria's petticoat has been conserved. It is now stable enough to be displayed and enjoyed by our visitors! However, for the time being, the petticoat will be carefully packed and stored within our Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection.
Kensington Palace Gains a Throne Canopy
06 December 2017
After its doors briefly closed, the Presence Chamber at Kensington Palace has reopened with a throne canopy sitting pride of place as you enter the room.
Queen Victoria's petticoat: underwear 'patched'
21 November 2017
In the last post we saw how Queen Victoria's petticoat was wet cleaned. Now the cream lawn cotton looks a lot brighter and the creasing has visibly reduced. There is still a bit of treatment left to do, as there are splits in the skirt, bodice and lace, and some of the buttonholes at the back fastening have frayed.
Queen Victoria's Petticoat takes a bath
02 November 2017
In our previous post we learned about the condition of Queen Victoria's petticoat. Today I want to focus on the yellow look of the cotton and the staining. The question: to clean or not to clean?
Queen Victoria's petticoat magnified: conservation begins
10 October 2017
When I heard I was going to lead the project to conserve this petticoat I got very excited as it is a rare example of royal underwear, with a very personal connection to Queen Victoria. As a new acquisition for our Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection I had to start from the beginning to really get to know the object.
Queen Anne's Throne Canopy Conservation: Almost There!
27 September 2017
These past few months we've been busy finishing the Queen Anne throne canopy conservation; tying together all the loose ends ready for its display at Kensington Palace.
Queen Victoria's Petticoat: a rare survivor from her Early wardrobe
19 September 2017
This magnificent petticoat is a recent acquisition to the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection and requires conservation for both storage and display purposes.