In preparation for the monumental £10.4 million undertaking to preserve one of Britain’s Greatest Palace’s historic architecture and safeguard its heritage for future generations, Blenheim Palace has announced that its annual deep clean of the stately home is underway.
Last year, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the Dukes of Marlborough since 1705 and one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks, announced its most ambitious restoration project to date, the major repair of the Palace roof.
This month, in preparation for these vital repair works, the cleaning of the plaster and gilded work on all ceilings is being prioritised. The team will be deep cleaning every corner of the ceilings, plus monitoring and recording existing damage in case there are any movements due to the restoration works.
The annual deep clean process, which takes roughly 6-8 weeks to complete, includes everything from the 19 chandeliers, 18 clocks, 11 thousand books, over 1000 pieces of silverware, Boulle furniture, 38 pieces of armour, 40 busts and sculptures, not to mention the priceless tapestries.
The Palace team uses natural cleaning products, distilled water, no aerosol sprays, bristle brushes and old-fashioned elbow grease, giving each item the special attention and techniques required for quality preservation.
New technologies, such as museum vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters, are also incorporated as each room is carefully stripped of all the furniture and artefacts and vacuumed from floor to ceiling.
Kate Ballenger, Keeper of Palace and Collections, said, “Every year, this is an enormous undertaking that, once complete, is the most satisfying feeling for the whole team of specialists that come together. Whilst it’s always a mammoth task, this year, we have a smaller window of time to complete our vital deep clean ahead of the start of the roof restoration project.”
Alongside the restoration works starting, Blenheim Palace is introducing unique visitor experiences that provide exclusive access to previously unseen areas of the Estate and the surrounding Oxfordshire countryside.
Three exclusive new experiences will also live at the landmark this year:
An all-new ticketed Roof Top View platform experience, providing visitors with never-seen-before breathtaking views over the Estate and surrounding Oxfordshire countryside
The Life Below Stairs experience will allow visitors to see the original Palace kitchens, immerse themselves in the spaces and hear the sounds of the staff working as they prepare for a royal visit. Unlocking, never seen before, family treasures, private apartments and the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of jukes, duchesses, and their guests.
The extended State Room Tours will offer a journey through some of the grandest rooms, including the Dining Room, Smoking Room, Drawing Rooms, and Grand Cabinet.
Blenheim’s renowned gardens will also undergo a stunning transformation in 2025, with new features to be explored every season.
Blenheim Palace’s doors first opened to the public 75 years ago to raise funds for essential roof conservation work. The project represents the most significant roof restoration in Blenheim Palace’s history. Every penny of visitor funds will contribute directly to this vital conservation effort, which is expected to be completed by 2026. In return, visitors will not only support the preservation of this historic landmark but will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich history.
For more information, visit www.blenheimpalace.com/whats-on/events/new-for-2025.
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