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.