CONSERVATION CASE STUDY

A Tudor painting transformed

A field filled with temporary palaces and tents. Crowds of people in Tudor outfits walk or rides horses.
The Field of the Cloth of Gold (RCIN 405794). ©
The Field of the Cloth of Gold, British School 16th Century
Conservator working on The Field of the Cloth of Gold.Copyright: Royal Collection Enterprises Limited

Meticulous conservation work has taken place to restore this magnificent painting.

The Field of the Cloth of Gold was a meeting between Henry VIII and Francis I between 7 to 24 June 1520. It took place in a valley near Guisnes to the south of Calais, France.

The spectacle was named because of the sumptuous materials used for the tents, pavilions and other furnishings. A temporary palace was created with the walls and roof made of canvas painted to look like a solid structure. Several artists were responsible for this painting that showcases the festivities that took place during the meeting of the two kings.

Watch our film to find out about the conservation work.


Royal Collection Trust is a charity caring for the Royal Collection, one of the world’s great art collections. Income from your visit helps us to conserve and share the Collection so that it can be enjoyed by everyone, wherever they are.