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Conservation resources


The Historic Royal Palaces Drawings Archive

The drawings in the archive are often used for conservation purposes.

Henry Firmin (Curator - Architectural Drawings) explains the function of the archive…

About the archive...

The Historic Royal Palaces Drawings Archive holds a selection of architectural and archaeological drawings of the five Historic Royal Palaces, dating from the 18th century to the present day. 

The drawings are primarily used for conservation purposes, usually in connection with parts of buildings that are covered up or inaccessible.  Enquiries usually originate from the Curators, Surveyors and Maintenance departments.

The drawings are kept in secure environmental conditions at the Tower of London and are on various supports; early drawings being on parchment or cartridge paper, whilst more recent drawings are on linen, tracing paper or plastic film.

These recent materials meant that printed copies could be made easily onto light sensitive paper and in some instances we only have prints of the originals, the originals having not survived.

The Historic Royal Palaces Drawings Archive attained Place of Deposit status in 2002 which indicates the high management standard of the collection.  However, no collection of architectural drawings is ever complete and it is recommended researchers consult other archives as well, the most notable being The National Archives at Kew, Surrey (formerly the Public Record Office), or the British Architectural Library at the V&A London.

Visiting the archive?

The Drawings Archive reading room is located at the Tower of London and welcomes enquiries. Staff will endeavour to deal with enquiries as quickly as possible. 

Please contact us first on any matter relating to the drawings we hold, and if possible visit the particular palace in advance, as this may provide some answers too.

More information about the archive...

Tower of London
The Historic Royal Palaces Drawings Archive holds approximately 7000 architectural drawings of the Tower of London including drawings of the various towers that make up Her Majesty's Fortress and Palace.  Located in a strategic position on Tower Hill, the central area is occupied by the White Tower which includes the Chapel Royal of St John with its apsidal east end.

Hampton Court Palace
The Historic Royal Palaces Drawings Archive holds some 6000 architectural drawings of Hampton Court Palace including The State Apartments and The Chapel Royal.  Of particular interest are the Great Hall and kitchens and how Cardinal Wolsey's palace was modified and extended by Henry VIII.

Banqueting House
The Historic Royal Palaces Drawings Archive holds in the region of 300 drawings of the Banqueting House in Whitehall which includes the adjoining Royal United Services Institution.  Originally designed by Inigo Jones in 1620, the Banqueting House formed part of the Whitehall Palace destroyed by fire in 1698. Of particular interest is the roof structure which spans the banqueting area below and supports the spectacular ceiling paintings by Sir Peter Paul Rubens.

Kensington Palace
The Historic Royal Palaces Drawings Archive holds 3000 drawings of Kensington Palace showing how the palace has developed over the centuries from a villa to its present size covering a large area.  Drawings include The State Apartments and Orangery.

Kew Palace
The Historic Royal Palaces Drawings Archive holds some 1200 drawings of Kew Palace, many of which have been invaluable in the recent representation work carried out for the reopening of the palace by Prince Charles, in April 2006.  Drawings include plans, sections and elevations including internal wall elevations together with the reconstruction of the 17th century garden carried out in the 1960s.