4 days ago
Blenheim Palace begins £1m project to restore paintings
A £1 million project to restore iconic paintings at Blenheim Palace has begun.
The year-long conservation programme at the Woodstock site will focus on the artworks in the great hall and the saloon.
Kelly O'Driscoll, head of built heritage at Blenheim Palace, said: "This is a pivotal moment for Blenheim Palace.
Work taking place to restore one of the paintings (Image: Blenheim Palace) "The saloon and great hall are not only central to the palace's story but also to the experience of the hundreds of thousands of visitors we welcome each year.
"This project will ensure they are protected while opening up new opportunities for learning, research, and public engagement."
The conservation scheme will run alongside a separate £12 million roof restoration – the largest project of its kind in the palace's history.
The roof, attic timbers, and ceilings have deteriorated due to age, climate change, and water ingress.
Work taking place to restore one of the paintings (Image: Blenheim Palace) The artworks which are central to the painting conservation project include the great hall ceiling painting by Sir James Thornhill and Louis Laguerre's paintings of the Battle of Blenheim in the saloon.
Lizzie Woolley, director of OPUS Conservation, which is leading the conservation project, said: "We are honoured to be entrusted with this extraordinary project.
"The saloon and the great hall are masterpieces of Baroque wall painting, and we look forward to working closely with Blenheim Palace and our academic partners to ensure their best treatment and long-term care."
Work taking place to restore one of the paintings (Image: Blenheim Palace) The conservation work will also include detailed analysis and trials, and provide a platform for academic study and hands-on training for the next generation of heritage professionals.
It is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Blenheim Foundation and is supported by experts from the Tate, The Courtauld Institute of Art, and the University of Oxford.
Stuart McLeod, director of England – London and South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "We're proud to support this vital conservation work at Blenheim Palace, which will help protect some of the UK's most significant Baroque artworks for generations to come.
Work taking place to restore one of the paintings (Image: Blenheim Palace)
"Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will not only restore these historic paintings, but also create inspiring opportunities for visitors to learn, engage, and connect more deeply with our shared heritage."
Work has begun this summer, with regular updates and behind-the-scenes insights to be shared with the public throughout the year.
Home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705, Blenheim Palace is set in more than 2,000 acres of landscaped parkland and is the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.
The palace has more than 300 years of history and one of the most important and extensive collections in Europe.
