Basket
0
Mobile menu
Nymph reclining with a nymph playing a lyre
About the Collection

Learn more about art works that make up the Royal Collection

Decorative Arts

A silver-gilt convex shield with a central medallion cast in high relief showing Apollo in a quadriga, surrounded by stars and female figures representing the constellations. The broad border is cast in low relief with scenes of human life (a wedding and

Shield of Achilles ©

Although the Royal Collection is best known for its paintings, a far larger proportion of the contents of the royal palaces falls into the category of the decorative arts, including European and oriental porcelain, gold and silver, tapestries, weaponry, jewellery, gold boxes and works by Fabergé.
Arms and Armour

Displays of weaponry have been a feature of royal palaces since the 17th century

This service, originally consisting of fifty-six large pieces and twelve dozen plates, may claim to be the most ambitious ever produced by an English factory. The Rockingham Works was established in 1825 at Swinton in Yorkshire under the patronage of the
Ceramics

The Royal Collection contains the world's greatest collection of Sèvres, along with other treasures
Fabergé

The Royal collection of Fabergé is unequalled in size and quality
Furniture

The Collection includes both functional furniture and pieces bought as collectibles
Jewels and Insignia

Precious gems have always played a role in presenting the magnificence of the monarchy
Oriental and Indian Works of Art

These cover almost every aspect of the decorative arts of China and Japan
Silver and Gold

This collection was largely formed after the Restoration in 1660

A statuary marble group of a naked nymph reclining full-length and cross-legged on a lion's pelt, beside an overturned vase from which issues a spring of water. The nymph has a head of wavy hair gathered to her right; her head is supported by her left han
Sculpture

Sculpture has both been commissioned and bought as antiques
Textiles

There are over 100 early tapestries at Hampton Court Palace
Information and access to Decorative Arts

The collections are available to view at a number of Royal Palaces
General bibliography

Further reading on the decorative arts

Quick Links
Official Royal Residences

The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.