VISITORS TO Blenheim Palace can once again marvel at an 18th century tapestry that has been lovingly restored and returned to its home in the First State Room.
The 300-year-old Schellenberg tapestry has been restored by textile conservator Emma Telford over a period of 12 months.
The tapestry was conserved by delicately washing the tapestry to remove dirt, repairing any threads that have degraded and mending holes.
The tapestry is then re-lined and velcro is attached to the edges and the walls for re-hanging in the palace in Woodstock, Oxfordshire.
The tapestry was commissioned by the 1st Duke of Marlborough between 1706 and 1710 as part of The Victories Series, a series of tapestries each depicting a pivotal battle in the War of Spanish Succession.
Schellenberg is a municipality in the lowland area of Liechtenstein, on the banks of the Rhine and the historic battle occurred on July 2nd, 1704.
Great care was taken throughout in the accurate depiction of the military operations; the topography; the uniforms and equipment of the troops, as well as the portraits of the main figures.
This is due to the talents of both artist Lambert de Hondt and weaver Judocus de Vos, accurately portraying the landscape and portraits in magnificent detail provided by the 1st Duke of Marlborough.
Kate Ballenger, Keeper of Palace and Collections at Blenheim Palace said: “The tapestry conservation program at Blenheim Palace began in 2008 and the conservation and return of the Schellenberg marks the 20th tapestry conservation in the last 15 years which is a huge milestone for us.
“At over 300 years old, the tapestries are remarkably well preserved.
“They do however require conservation treatment to secure their existence for future generations, as abrasive dust and dirt carried in the air can accumulate amongst the threads obscuring the designs and causing damage.”
Blenheim palace is open every day from 10am to 5pm and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
