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.
Young Queen Victoria's shoes in the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection
11 November 2016
A recent trip to an auction house nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds yielded some very exciting results. We came back to London laden with 15 items of dress worn by Queen Victoria and her children.
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.
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.