The conservation of Giovanni da Maiano’s terracotta roundels at Hampton Court Palace (2005-2012): A summary report

Abstract

Since 2005, Historic Royal Palaces has been undertaking a major project to research and conserve the eleven terracotta roundels attributed to the Florentine sculptor, Giovanni da Maiano, which survive at Hampton Court Palace (Greater London). This project has involved close visual inspection, material analysis, and art-historical and documentary research. It has long been known that Maiano delivered eight roundels to Hampton Court in 1521. However, this research has for the first time made it possible to distinguish the surviving pieces by Giovanni da Maiano from significant elements of later restoration. It has also demonstrated that the surviving works by Maiano derive from at least two different sets of roundels. Ten of the roundels are mounted externally and it has been decided to conserve them in situ. A programme of inspection over five years has assessed their physical condition and the mechanisms responsible for any active deterioration have been investigated and established. A programme of cleaning, conservation and partial restoration is underway and due to be completed in 2013.