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.
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.
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.
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.
Objects Unwrapped: An 18th-Century Yeoman Warder's Tankard
04 December 2015
It's the late 18th century and the Yeoman Body are ending their busy shift guarding the Tower of London. Warder Francis Dobson heads down to the Stone Kitchen Tavern for a well-earned pint in his personalised tankard; obviously a regular!
Hay-making with Two Hampton Court Shire Horses
18 September 2015
The tradition of hay-making is being kept alive at Kensington Palace thanks to Tom and Murdoch, a pair of Shire Horses from Hampton Court Palace.