During a recent visit to the Royal Collection Trust’s Decorative Arts conservation workshop, King Charles tried his hand at gilding an antique dragon, applying gold leaf to a 19th-century Chinese-inspired artifact. The dragon, one of a pair that once adorned a pelmet above a window in Buckingham Palace’s East Wing, is undergoing conservation work before being returned to its place in the Centre Room Lobby for public viewing.
The gilding process involves applying a delicate layer of gold leaf to a carved and prepared surface, and this particular dragon had lost its original gilding over time. Once restored, the artifact will once again be on display to visitors during tours of the East Wing. These dragons were originally created for the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, reflecting the opulent tastes of King George IV, who had a strong affinity for Asian art and design. After the Pavilion was sold in 1850, the pieces were transferred to Buckingham Palace and became part of the East Wing’s Chinese-themed decor.
The King also had the opportunity to view objects being prepared for the upcoming exhibition, The Edwardians: Age of Elegance, set to open in April at The King’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace. Among the items were pieces from the private rooms of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra at Sandringham House, including a large gilded screen featuring photographs of their social circle.
King Charles met with senior metalwork conservator Sophy Wills and art handler David East, who guided him through the workshop, where expert conservators use both traditional techniques and modern technology to restore a wide range of artifacts from the Royal Collection. Items such as furniture, ceramics, sculpture, giltwood, and metalwork are meticulously cared for to preserve their historical and artistic value.
The Edwardians: Age of Elegance will showcase over 300 items, many never seen before, from the collections of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and King George V and Queen Mary. The exhibition will highlight their family lives, personal collections, and the glamorous social circles they moved in, with notable contributions from figures such as Cartier, Oscar Wilde, and Sir Edward Burne-Jones. The exhibition will run from April 11 to November 23, 2025.
