Kew Palace - Restoration of Kew Palace

Restoration of Kew Palace

This second building survives today, and is a renown example of the so-called Artisan Mannerist style of brick-building: reflecting the incorporation in a 'free' manner of features of Classical architecture adapted to the qualities and contraints of brick as a material. It is located in Kew Gardens and despite its name it is the size of a manor house. Kew Palace was used to hold a dinner hosted by Charles, Prince of Wales to celebrate the 80th birthday of Elizabeth II on April 21, 2006. A few days later it reopened as a visitor attraction, following a ten year closure for restoration.

The restoration not only included physical restoration to the building, but also weaving of period draperies and other fabric décor carried out by master weaver Ian Dale of Scotland. An external lift shaft was added on the west wing for disabled access, in the place of a tower which housed three floors of lavatories.

The Palace was featured in the BBC documentary series Tales from the Palaces.

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