ROF Conservation Studio at Knole
The National Trust is home to one of the world’s largest collections of art and material culture. With more than one million objects at over 200 historic sites, looking after the unique needs of such a deep and varied collection is one of the Trust’s greatest challenges. The Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio located at Knole, takes on this unique challenge prioritizing objects which are classed as highly significant— including paintings, decorative arts, furniture and more.
In 2020, the Royal Oak Foundation gave the conservation studio $4 million in funding as part of the 125th anniversary of the Trust’s founding. This gift provided vital support for some of the Trust’s most important conservation projects, including a set of nine 17th-century chairs from Petworth House in West Sussex. These ‘sgabello’ chairs are intricately carved and decorated with paint and gilding work popular in Italy in the late 1500s. The Trust hopes to learn more about historical materials and techniques as they restore them. Some of the studio’s other projects include a portrait of Sir John Maitland, once complete it will return to Ham House where it usually hangs; and Samurai Armour from Snowhill in Gloucestershire. Join Royal Oak as we learn about the many projects and techniques undertaken at the Studio thanks to funding from The Royal Oak Foundation.
Conservators at work at Knole Consevation Studio, Knole, Kent ©National Trust Images/Sam Milling
Petworth sgabello chairs at the ROF Conservation Studio ©National Trust – James Dobson
