In preparation of welcoming visitors for the new year, Blenheim Palace has announced that its annual deep clean to keep the UNESCO World Heritage Site and award-winning attraction in pristine condition is underway.
The process began in the Long Library on Wednesday 7 January, which takes approximately eight days to complete, with the full deep clean of Blenheim Palace taking between six and eight weeks in total.
The deep clean covers every aspect of the historic interiors, from silverware and sculptures to tables and tapestries, including 18 clocks, 38 pieces of armour and 40 busts and sculptures. Each item requires specialist care and techniques to ensure its long-term preservation, using methods such as distilled water and avoiding aerosol sprays.
Chandeliers throughout the State Rooms are a particular focus this year, with delicate crystal and glass elements being carefully cleaned at height. Whilst working at these levels, the team will also monitor the condition of the walls, where there have previously been signs of structural shifting. This ongoing monitoring is carried out in close collaboration with the Build Heritage team to ensure the Palace remains safe and well cared for.
At high levels, there are also signatures from previous and existing members of staff, offering a unique insight into the people who have cared for Blenheim Palace over the years. This follows the recent discovery by conservators in the Great Hall of decades-old graffiti, which staff previously believed no one had accessed for centuries.
The interiors of Blenheim Palace feature extensive gilt work, contributing to the palatial appearance. Different conservation techniques are required depending on the surface, whether walls, furniture, tables, or chairs, to protect this intricate gold detailing.
The Oxfordshire attraction is inviting visitors to learn about the vital work they carry out on the magnificent rooms and extensive collections, with the opportunity to see and hear directly from experts on the methods used to restore and repair the building and collections within it. Restoration and Conservation tours will run daily at 14:00 between Wednesday 7 January – Saturday 14 February.
Carmen Alvarez, Collections and Conservation Manager, said, “The annual deep clean is a vital part of how we care for Blenheim Palace and its collections. It allows us to work closely with thousands of objects and architectural details to ensure they are kept to the highest standards. With the added complexity of the roof restoration project, this year’s clean requires even greater care and coordination, but it is essential work to preserve the Palace for future generations.”
The Restoration and Conservation tours are included with a valid Palace & Gardens Ticket or Palace and Play Pass, which grants access to both Blenheim Palace and Adventure Play for a full year, giving visitors more fun, more discovery, more history, more history at Britain’s Greatest Palace.
For more information and to book tickets visit www.blenheimpalace.com
