The Scenario

Kew Palace, Kew, is one of Britain’s most important royal palaces. The family country home of King George III and Queen Charlotte between 1800 and 1818, Kew Palace is all that remains of buildings which comprised the extensive royal residence in the famous botanic gardens. King George III convalesced here during his illness. Large parts of the palace remained untouched since that time until 2004, which marked the start of a £6.6 million two-year conservation project.

The Issue

Allyson McDermott formed part of a team commissioned to:

• Find out what decorative scheme existed during George III's residence, using analysis and research to determine materials and techniques.
• Recreate the original decoration.

The Scope of the Project

Investigation:

• Removal of modern boarding.
• Detailed examination of residual evidence: tacking, canvas and paper fibres.
• Recording of all wallpaper fragments in-situ and removal of representative samples.
• Examination, including: polarised light microscopy; chemical testing; UV examination; raking; and transmitted light and instrumental analysis.
• Using our knowledge of traditional materials and techniques to establish the original scheme.

Installation:

• Linen canvas was tacked and stretched over the rough wooden walls and lined with hand made sheets of linen fibred paper (produced in wooden moulds by Griffin Mill, Co. Mayo).
• Single sheets of linen paper were joined to form a roll. Green verditer pigment (not made commercially since circa 1830 ) was mixed with chalk and animal glue and applied to the paper using a circular grounding brush.
• The Greek Key border design was printed onto a varnished ground using a hand carved block and chopped wool flock sprinkled on whilst the surface was still sticky.

The Outcome

This original decorative scheme has been faithfully recreated in four rooms at the palace, a stunning combination of turquoise and black, pieced together from evidence and research. The palace reopened to the public in the spring of 2006.