Crime & Safety
Blenheim Palace tapestry removed for conservation work
The piece at Blenheim Palace, titled The Triumphal Entry of Alexander into Babylon, will undergo conservation work from May 15, as part of a long-term preservation programme.
It is part of the palace’s Alexander the Great tapestry series, commissioned by the first Duke of Marlborough in 1707 and woven by Judocus de Vos.
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.”
Restoration will be carried out by Emma Telford of Textile Conservator Ltd and is expected to take about a year to complete.
Ms Telford has previously worked on 10 other tapestries at Blenheim Palace since 2012.
The process will begin with the removal and replacement of the tapestry’s current lining, and the use of poppers will be replaced with Velcro to prevent future damage to the textile.
Both sides of the tapestry will then be cleaned using a low-powered vacuum to remove dust and particulate matter.
As with Ms Telford’s previous projects, the tapestry will be given stitched support using a Belgian linen scrim.
Ms Telford said: “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 series was commissioned by John Churchill, the first Duke of Marlborough.
He also ordered the ‘Victories’ set from the same workshop, commemorating his military successes during the War of the Spanish Succession.
The most recently restored tapestry to return to public view at the palace was The Surrender of Lille.
It now hangs in the First State Room after a decade-long conservation process.
The Triumphal Entry of Alexander into Babylon currently hangs in the Smoking Room in the Private Apartments at Blenheim Palace.
This marks the final tapestry in the Alexander series at the palace to undergo restoration, concluding a process that has taken more than 20 years.
Its restoration marks the completion of a full rotation of tapestry conservation at the palace, highlighting the dedication and expertise required to preserve such historic works.
More information can be found at www.blenheimpalace.com.
League leaders White House were tested by Black Horse B, battling back from a leg down to claim victory.
Despite a three-doll handicap, Black Horse started strong, scoring 28 in the first leg compared to White House’s 21.
However, White House levelled in the second leg with 21-17, and won the deciding leg comfortably, 26-18, thanks to Mick Phipps’ 13-doll haul.
Littlemore British Legion remain just one point behind the leaders after edging out Black Horse A.
Despite a shaky start, Legion won the second leg 27-18 and the deciding leg 20-19, with Kevin Baker leading the charge with 13 dolls.
Jolly Sportsman continued their recovery from an opening-day defeat, securing a third straight win against The Blackbird.
Dominating the first two legs, Sportsman eventually conceded the final leg 25-24, despite a strong all-round performance with six players reaching double figures.
North Leigh FC celebrated their first victory of the season after a dramatic encounter with Ampleforth Arms A.
Winning the first two legs via shootouts after ties on 22 and 20, North Leigh fell short in the final leg against Ampleforth’s 25.
Charlie Buckingham scored 11 dolls for North Leigh.
New Club A overcame an early scare to defeat Masons Arms A.
After losing the first leg 28-19, New Club levelled the match with a 31-25 win in the second leg and cruised home in the deciding leg 22-17.
Adrian Shepherd had a memorable evening for New Club, scoring a maximum six in one leg.
In Section 2, Catherine Wheel A edged out visitors Donnington Club A.
After winning the first leg 19-18, Catherine Wheel lost the second 18-17, but regained control in the deciding leg, winning 24-17.
Ben Carter scored 13 dolls for Donnington, while Graham Hambridge top-scored for Catherine Wheel with 12 dolls.
Section 3 saw Cowley Workers climb into pole position after an away win over Headington Con Club.
Having opened the season with a victory, Headington have now suffered three straight defeats.
Cowley dominated throughout, winning all three legs 19-9, 18-9, and 18-14, with Neil Butler scoring 11 dolls.
The Aunt Sally League continues to provide thrilling contests, with teams battling hard every week.
The league, steeped in tradition, sees teams from all over Oxford and the surrounding areas compete in a game that requires precision and skill.
With the season in full swing, all eyes are on who will come out on top in the Premier Section.
Sobell House is marking 50 years of caring for people in 2026 with celebrations throughout this month celebrating the work of tireless individuals.
In a video to the hospice, Dame Judi Dench, said: “I want to send a very special message to Sobell House.
READ MORE: Oxford hospice celebrates 50 years of service
“On my first day at Quaker boarding school I sat next to someone called Joan Dickie.
“And she remained my close friend the whole time I was there.
“And then she got married and had family and we kept in touch and then I know at the very end of her life she went to Sobell House and I know because I went to visit her there.
“You looked after her there so beautifully.
“Thank you for looking after her and all the other people.
“You do that for all of us.”
Dame Judi previously supported the hospice’s ‘My Lovely Postcard’ scheme, an initiative from the hospice and Beth’s Bursary Fund, founded in memory of Beth Foreman, who passed away from bowel cancer aged 32.
Lady Diana and the Duchess of Kent are just some of the celebrities that were featured in an array of photos to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a famous Oxford hospice.
In 1974, after many years of campaigning, discussion, and investment since 1962, building work began on Sobell House Hospice.
This was driven by the efforts of Dr Alistair Laing, Dr George Wiernik, and Sir Michael Sobell’s founding gift.
Sobell House officially opened on May 25, 1976.
The ward opened at half capacity, with 12 beds available. In this first year, they cared for 181 patients.
The event took place at Didcot Railway Centre from May 23 to 25, where the star attraction was the visiting steam locomotive No. 32424 Beachy Head.
No. 32424 is a full-size replica of an engine from a class built in 1911 and 1912, with the original engine scrapped in 1958.
The replica was completed by members of the Bluebell Railway in 2024.
Named after the highest chalk cliff in England, the engine was one of six named after coastal features in southern England.
Photographs from the event capture the engine on the turntable, the footplate crew at work, and the train guard in action.
Images also show volunteers in the engine shed, shunting engine No. 1340 built in 1897, and staff dressed in period clothing.
Visitors enjoyed a session for photographers on Saturday night, and a long day of entertainment.
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