VIRTUAL: Prague Heritages

Abstract

The Architectural Fabric Collection at UK Parliament (London, Westminster) comprises of over 5,000 unique detached objects originally commissioned for the Palace of Westminster. This includes wallpaper, carved stonework, encaustic tiles, architectural models, and decorative detached elements. This paper describes: the creation of the Architectural Fabric Collection and the development of its team, the challenges the team face, and the recent successes in preserving and ensuring collections engagement. The Palace of Westminster was rebuilt in the 19th-century and is famous for its Gothic Architecture designed by Sir Charles Barry. Now Grade I listed, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Parliament contains a mixture of both ancient and modern buildings, with unique historic interiors all central to Britain’s political heritage. The Architectural Fabric Collection was created in 2015 by the Architects Team to ensure specialist management including the preservation and documentation of architectural objects removed from the Palace. The team was then transferred to Heritage Collections in 2020 but continues to work closely with the Architecture and Conservation Team and other stakeholders working on major projects across the Estate. The collection faces many challenges including the upcoming restoration of Parliament. This complex project challenges the team with the possibility of exponential growth of the collection, as well as the disassociation of heritage objects from their original context with the re-development of different spaces. Since being transferred to Heritage Collections, the team have had major successes including engagement with the collection in permanent displays within the Elizabeth Tower (commonly known as Big Ben) and starting a programme of conservation to ensure its longevity for future audiences.