Buildings conservation
The team of building surveyors is responsible for maintaining the built fabric of the palaces.
The historic architecture cannot be preserved completely unaltered, but it is the task of our surveyors to ensure that changes do not detract, but retain, or where possible enhance, significance thus sustaining the sites into the future.
Adrian Phillips, Surveyor of the Fabric says, 'We are the custodians of these wonderful palaces for only a short time in their history. We aim to secure their future by handing them on in better condition than that in which we inherited them.'
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Collections care
The Conservation and Collection Care team is made up of preventive and treatment conservators together with conservation scientists, whose research underpins the decision making processes involved.
Kate Frame, Head of Conservation and Collection Care says, “We care for the palaces' historic collections and decorative features. With a combined 250 years of experience, our world-class conservators care for an amazing, diverse and often priceless collection of treasures. Housed in over 4,500 rooms, it is not just the sheer size of the collection that is awe inspiring. It is also its rich diversity - priceless objects of every description, owned by the Royal Collection Trust, are on open display, often in their original historic position.��
From Henry VIII’s tapestries to George III’s waistcoat, collections are at the heart of our work.
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Gardens conservation
The Gardens and Estate Department comprises of a small team of managers who lead a team of skilled gardeners and specialists, based at Hampton Court Palace and Kensington Palace. We also offer professional guidance at the other sites cared for by Historic Royal Palaces.
Terry Gough, Head of Gardens and Estates for Historic Royal Palaces states, ‘The role of our team is to conserve the gardens and estate and their historic features for us, and future generations to enjoy. This is achieved through on going maintenance work, repair and renewal and major restoration projects. We strive at all times to present the gardens and estate to the highest achievable standard in order to provide our visitors with an enjoyable and memorable experience’.
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