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.
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 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.
Happy New Year! Queen Anne's Throne Canopy Conservation
10 January 2017
Happy New Year and welcome back! For our first post of 2017 we would like to take you behind the scenes and give you an insight into the trial installation we did at Hampton Court Palace in November 2016.
Throne Canopy - Going Up!
09 December 2016
We recently moved out of the conservation studio and into the (rather chilly) Queen's Guard Chamber at Hampton Court where we have been busy with the next exciting stage of our project - the trial installation.
Queen Anne's Throne Canopy Conservation: Come and See for Yourself
15 November 2016
The main conservation treatment of the cloth of state from the throne canopy has now been completed and it has been hanging in our workroom for a week while we carry out some all-important structural checks. This will confirm that our interventions have done their job and are supporting the damask as intended.
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.