Buckingham Palace's Picture Gallery has undergone a significant transformation in preparation for its summer opening, now displaying 120 masterpieces, a near doubling of its previous collection. The state room has also been redecorated, with its coral pink velvet wall coverings, in place since 1976, replaced by vibrant emerald-green silk damask.
This extensive re-hang, which took 875 hours to complete, includes works by renowned artists such as Rubens, Caravaggio, and Zoffany. Among the new additions is Zoffany's "The Tribuna of the Uffizi," a piece commissioned by Queen Charlotte but never previously displayed due to her dislike of its composition. It was last exhibited in the Picture Gallery in 1841.
A notable new exhibit is a controversial oil study of King Charles by artist Jonathan Yeo. Commissioned in 2020 to commemorate the then-Prince of Wales's 50 years as a member of The Drapers' Company, the red-hued portrait was recently gifted to the Royal Collection. Art dealer Philip Mould described the painting as "the most progressive royal portrait in a very long time," noting its subversive and edgy style.
The gallery's transformation comes as it was revealed that no British monarch will reside at Buckingham Palace permanently, even after a £369 million taxpayer-funded refurbishment is completed next year. King Charles and Queen Camilla will continue to live at Clarence House. This decision is attributed to the King's desire to increase public access to royal residences and reduce the burden on taxpayers, as well as his personal comfort at Clarence House, where he has resided since 2003. The King, 77, is currently undergoing treatment for cancer, with doctors reportedly pleased with his progress.
Separately, Prince Harry, who is in the UK for engagements, reportedly missed an opportunity to stay at Buckingham Palace due to a missed invitation deadline. A spokesperson for the Duke described the withdrawal of an offer for accommodation as "disappointing."
The 47-meter-long Picture Gallery, an addition by architect John Nash in the 19th century, has a history of color changes reflecting evolving tastes. Previous colors include yellow, lilac, crimson red, and olive green. The recent switch to emerald green addresses the deterioration of the former pink fabric.
The gallery, which hosts royal guests and tours for visiting dignitaries, will be open to the public from July 9 to September 27. Visitors will also be able to view a Rolls-Royce Phantom IV in the Grand Entrance Portico and handwritten letters from children to the King in the Family Pavilion, highlighting shared interests in environmental sustainability.
Anna Reynolds, surveyor of the King's pictures, stated that the re-hang offers a rare chance to display more world-class paintings, aligning with the Royal Collection's charitable aim of public sharing. She added that this effort continues a tradition of renovations and re-hangs often following a change of reign.