Queen offers a glimpse into Buckingham Palace's $490M renovation including video of wallpapers being removed
The royal family has given its fans a rare glimpse inside Queen Elizabeth's official London residence, Buckingham Palace, as it undergoes an extensive renovation that would take years to complete.
The royals shared a stunning video on Instagram detailing the intricate work that is underway in the palace's Yellow Drawing Room. The footage sees one professional carefully removing the 19th-century wallpaper “piece by piece” so that it can be “conserved and preserved” before being rehung in the reception room at the front of the palace.
According to a reports, the delicate artistic paper has to be removed so it is not damaged by the vibrations of nearby construction work within the palace.
Royal officials shared details of the revamp in photo captions.
"Watch as historic nineteenth-century wallpaper from the Yellow Drawing Room is carefully taken away for conservation. Not only will this work restore the rare, fragile wallpaper, but it will simultaneously protect it from incurring damage from nearby construction work as part of the Reservicing program," the palace wrote. "Once the works are complete, the restored wallpaper will return to its home in the Yellow Drawing Room."
Officials explained that the reservicing program was "vital" in order to ensure that old wiring is brought at par with current health and safety standards, thereby mitigating the risk of fire and flood. Furthermore, officials noted the refurbishment would make the palace more energy efficient while simultaneously improving visitor access.
"Designed by Edward Blore in the 1840s, the East Wing of Buckingham Palace was built for Queen Victoria to provide more entertaining and living space for her expanding family," they continued. "Blore’s design included the famous central balcony on the front façade of the Palace, which was incorporated at Prince Albert’s suggestion. Since then it has been used on many national occasions, including annually at Trooping the Colour."
At least 161km of electrical cabling, 6500 plug sockets, 5000 light fittings, 32km of heating pipework and 2500 radiators are being replaced as part of Buckingham Palace’s extensive renovation project that will cost $490M.
The entire project will probably take years to complete, but officials have said the work is indispensable considering the priceless artworks that line the palace halls are at “serious risk” of fire and water damage if not repaired.
That said, the entire cost of renovations is being borne by taxpayers via the Sovereign Grant.