The east wing of Buckingham Palace may mainly be known for its central balcony – that same spot where Monarchs and members of the royal family have waved and smiled to the public during important events for generations.
But now, visitors can take a look inside this part of the stately building for the first time in its history, following years of refurbishment that included the transfer of over 3,000 objects – from paintings to porcelain, furniture and books – to allow for works to take place.
The east wing, which was built between 1847 and 1849 to accommodate Queen Victoria’s growing family, enclosed what was originally an open, horseshoe-shaped courtyard, designed both architecturally as well as internally to reflect King George IV’s love of Asian art and design, according to The Royal Trust.
Its many decadent and interconnected rooms (over 200 of them), include the yellow drawing room, the principal corridor and the centre room which are furnished with Chinese-themed works and décor, considered some of the finest in the Royal Collection
The corridor displays magnificent paintings, including portraits of Queen Victoria and her predecessors, while in the centre room, which leads onto the famed balcony that overlooks the Mall, highlights include a glass chandelier shaped to resemble a lotus flower, and a pair of 18th-century Chinese imperial silk wall décor.
In the yellow drawing room, named after its sunny-coloured upholstery and drapes, two Chinese pagodas with nine tiers each cut an imposing figure, as does the ‘kylin clock’ – an elaborate piece that sits on a marble and gold fireplace that combines Asian porcelain with a French clock.
“The reservicing of Buckingham Palace is a ten-year programme of works to update the essential services to one of the UK’s most iconic buildings,” The Royal Trust shared. “Miles of ageing cables, lead pipes, electrical wiring and boilers are being replaced as part of the Programme, many for the first time in over 60 years.”
The works will also increase accessibility and deliver a better experience for visitors, while ensuring a safer and more energy-efficient environment for staff, guests and visitors alike.
Photography: Peter Smith / Buckingham Palace
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