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CONSERVATION PROCESS

Repair

Cog being picked up by tweasers

It is sometimes necessary to repair an item, or replace missing parts. This is particularly the case with items with moving parts, such as clocks or automata, but can also affect other items.

In a working collection such as the Royal Collection, on display and in some cases in use in various palaces, the maintenance of the appearance of an item is important.  All repairs are undertaken sympathically, and using reversible techniques so future generations can return to the original surfaces.

Case studies using this process

CASE STUDY
Restoring the Sunflower Clock

Learn more about the conservation of this 18th-century decorative clock

A silver inkstand in the form of a rowing boat
CASE STUDY
A Hidden Musical Surprise

Discover the tiny hidden musical box within an inkstand.

CASE STUDY
Restoring the Buckingham Palace Turret Clock

Read about the restoration of the Buckingham Palace turret clock

CASE STUDY
Chandelier conservation

Treatment prior to featuring in Painting Paradise

CASE STUDY
Conserving Maratti's 'The Annunciation'

Treatment was needed before the First Georgians exhibition

Scrap Screen made up from prints from by Rowlandson
CASE STUDY
A screen of satirical prints

This screen needed treatment before going on display

Erard grand piano
CASE STUDY
Conserving the Erard Piano

This magnificent piano was showing signs of wear and tear

CASE STUDY
The restoration of a Chinese porcelain vase

Treatment of a vase broken 100 years ago

Conservator working on an eleborate hat-box
CASE STUDY
Discovering Chinese and Japanese Works of Art in the Royal Collection

A look at the work that goes into the preparation of a catalogue

Artisan repairing the vase in a workshop
CASE STUDY
Queen Victoria's Russian Vase

Conservation of a monumental Russian vase

Pagoda on chinoiserie pedestal up close
CASE STUDY
Conserving Chinoiserie: Revealing hidden details

Short film about the conservation of chinoiserie pedestals

James I armour close shot of Helmet
CASE STUDY
Seeing the Samurai: A Japanese Diplomatic Gift

Samurai armour prepared for our exhibition

Conservation team examining pastel out of its frame
CASE STUDY
The Conservation of Rosalba Carriera’s Pastels of the Four Seasons

Learn about the conservation of a group of four pastel paintings by Rosalba Carriera

Jewelled necklace with amulet Quran
CASE STUDY
A jewelled necklace with a hidden treasure

This locket houses a tiny manuscript and both required careful conservation

CASE STUDY
Folding Screen Paintings

Restoring a rediscovered diplomatic gift from Japan


The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.