Case study

Conservation of Queen Victoria's Throne

Gilding conservator prepares the gilt timber frame for exhibition

conservator working on gilt timber frame of throne

This imposing State Throne Chair was made in 1837 for Queen Victoria for the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. Watch this film to hear Sally Goodsir, Curator of Decorative Arts, discuss the meaning behind its decoration. Gary Gronnestad, Gilding Conservator, explains the careful process of cleaning the throne's delicate layer of gold.

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Dowbiggin & Co., 23 Mount Street

Queen Victoria's Throne 1837

Throne Room, Buckingham Palace

RCIN 2608

Throne chair of carved gilt wood, upholstered in crimson velvet and lacework; the top rail carved with a crown, VR cipher and national emblems; the frame of the chair elaborately decorated with foliage of oak leaves, acanthus scrolls, and berried laurel. This imposing State Throne Chair was made in 1837 for Queen Victoria for the Throne Room at...

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