This February half term, visitors are invited to step back in time to the court of Charles II during Restoration Week at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. To coincide with the exhibition Charles II: Art and Power at The Queen’s Gallery, activities including dance and musical performances, live tapestry demonstrations and art workshops will transport adults and children alike to the lively court of the Restoration monarch.
On Saturday, 9 February, children are invited to use a family trail to explore the exhibition at The Queen’s Gallery and learn how Charles II used art to reinforce his power as King. In the afternoon, award-winning artist Gemma Coyle will be on hand to help budding artists try their hand at being a Court Painter and make their own masterpiece of the King.
Every day from Monday, 11 February, visitors to the Palace’s family room will have the opportunity to enjoy games and puppet-making workshops, and even dress up like a Stuart monarch in full replica regalia.
Daily Live Music
Daily performances of music from the Restoration period will take place in the Palace’s State Apartments from Monday, 11 to Friday, 15 February, in partnership with Live Music Now, a charity that aims to make live music accessible to all.
Visitors who want to get creative can join the Edinburgh Sketcher on Tuesday, 12 February for drop-in sketching sessions, taking inspiration from the historic interiors of the Throne Room, the Great Gallery and the King’s apartments.
On Thursday, 14 February, short talks in The Queen’s Gallery will explore the revival of court society following the Restoration, when the royal palaces became the setting for lavish balls attended by actors, scientists, writers and beautiful women.
Historical Dance Group
Historical dance group Les Danses Antiques will bring the joy and vibrancy of Charles II’s court to life on Saturday, 16 February in the Palace’s Great Gallery. The performances, complete with historically accurate Restoration costume, will offer visitors a new, immersive way to experience the State Apartments. Lavishly decorated with tapestries from the Royal Collection, Charles II’s apartments will provide a fitting setting for a live tapestry demonstration onSunday, 17 February. Visitors will learn how tapestries are made as one takes shape before their eyes, and gain an insight into how the original tapestries would have looked when they were first made over five centuries ago.
Further Information & Contact Details
Restoration Week runs at the Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Queen’s Gallery from 9 to 17 February 2019. All activities are included in the price of admission to the Palace of Holyroodhouse and The Queen’s Gallery.
For further details, timings and tickets visit www.rct.uk, T. +44 (0)303 123 7306.
For more information and images please contact the Royal Collection Trust Press Office, press@rct.uk, +44 (0)20 7839 1377.
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