Splendours of the Subcontinent: Conserving South Asian Paintings and Manuscripts at the Royal Collection, Windsor Castle
- Lecture
Carolyn and Jack Lampl Jr. Family Recital Hall

Detail of opening shamsa (sunburst), from a manuscript of the Padshahnama, c.1657. Mughal. Opaque watercolour, including gold metallic paint with decorative incising on paper. The Royal Collection, RCIN 1005025.c. © Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2018
About The Event
Wednesday, October 3, 6:30 p.m.
Recital Hall
The Royal Library at Windsor Castle is home to one of the most important collections of South Asian paintings and manuscripts, including Mughal illustrated histories, delicate album pages of poetry and calligraphy, and dazzling Rajput paintings of Hindu Gods. In this richly illustrated talk, Rachael Smith, drawings conservator at the Royal Collection Trust, will share her recent work for the exhibition Splendours of the Subcontinent currently at the Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace.
Technical examination of these masterpieces uncovered new information about the artists’ original techniques and materials and the complex layers of later reworking. Images taken through the microscope reveal painting surfaces imbued with exquisite detail and subtle textures, as well as breathtaking fragility. The talk will explain why these artworks need conserving and the treatments undertaken to enable them to be exhibited and to ensure they can continue to inspire and delight future generations.
Free; no ticket required.