Insights and behind the scenes from our palaces
Embracing two worlds: Conserving Bi-cultural heritage with a rare Japanese court suit
14 March 2025
Textile Conservator Kaori Motaung shares her experience conserving a rare Japanese court suit from the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection.
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.
Excavations at Hampton Court Palace
04 December 2014
The Magic Garden Project at Hampton Court Palace has seen hundreds of trenches excavated to place electrical cables, drainage and foundations for the new garden.
Drilling for Dates
10 June 2014
People think I’m nuts because I love roofs. But not only are they among the best preserved parts of our palaces, they also hold secrets within them, and can reveal information which isn’t contained in any documents. The latest roof to receive treatment is the Great Watching Chamber. It is one of our most important Tudor roofs.