Oxfordshire UNESCO World Heritage Site, Blenheim Palace, has announced one of its significant tapestries, ‘The Triumphal Entry of Alexander into Babylon’ from the Alexander the Great series, will be taken down and sent for restoration.
The magnificent tapestry, which hangs in the Smoking Room in the Private Apartments, will be temporarily removed from 15th May for approximately one year while it undergoes specialist conservation treatment by Emma Telford of Textile Conservator Ltd. Emma has previously treated 10 tapestries from both the Private Apartments and the State Rooms at Blenheim Palace, between 2012 and the present day.
‘The Triumphal Entry of Alexander into Babylon’ is part of the ‘The History of Alexander the Great’ series commissioned by the 1st Duke of Marlborough in 1707 – made by master weaver, Judocus de Vos, based on the paintings of Charles Le Brun. Only eight of the 12 tapestries that were ordered were created, with the series depicting some of the famed hero’s greatest achievements in battle.
The restoration project will involve the careful removal and replacement of the tapestry’s existing lining. The poppers currently used to attach the tapestry to the wall will also be replaced with Velcro, which is a far less damaging but very effective method of hanging the heavy feature.
Following this, the tapestry will undergo a thorough surface cleaning on both sides using low-powered vacuum suction to remove loose particulate soiling. As with all previous conservation projects undertaken by Emma Telford, the tapestry will receive full stitched support using a backing of Belgian linen scrim, in line with best-practice tapestry conservation techniques.
This tapestry is the final panel from “Britain’s Greatest Palace” to go for restoration work, which will mark the completion of the full rotation of panels. The process has taken over 20 years to complete, showcasing the intricate and specialist work that is involved.
Carmen Alvarez, Collections Manager at Blenheim Palace, said: “The conservation of these internationally significant tapestries is an essential part of preserving Blenheim Palace’s extraordinary collection for future generations. The Alexander the Great series is particularly important to the history and interiors of the Palace, and we are delighted to be completing this long-term programme of restoration with the final tapestry.”
Emma Telford from Textiles Conservator Ltd, added: “It’s a privilege to continue working with the team at Blenheim Palace on the care and conservation of these remarkable tapestries. Each project requires specialist expertise and attention to ensure the historic integrity of the textile is preserved which keeps the tapestries looking their best for years to come.”
The most recent tapestry that Blenheim Palace welcomed back after conservation was ‘The Surrender of Lille’ following a decade-long process. The work of art can be enjoyed by visitors in the First State Room and shows the famous parley between The Duke of Marlborough and the French Marshal Bouffleurs, which took place in October 1708. John Churchill, first Duke of Marlborough commissioned several sets of tapestries from the workshop of Judocus de Vos between 1707 and 1717, including the renowned ‘Victories’ set commemorating the battles where Marlborough was victorious during the War of the Spanish Succession.
To find out more about Blenheim Palace visit, www.blenheimpalace.com.
