The Palace of Queluz was designed as a summer residence for the Infante Dom Pedro, later Pedro II (1717–1786). The complex of park, formal garden, and palace provided a retreat of fantasy and pleasure, away from the formal protocol of the court. The gardens were of vital importance in constructing this recreational atmosphere.
Marble and lead sculptures are among the most notable features of the gardens. The architectural features of the garden are arranged to evoke elegant salons and are adorned with urns, classical motifs, and fountains. Of special note are lead sculptures by the English sculptor John Cheere, which are the largest and one of the most important collections of British lead sculpture to survive from the eighteenth century. WMF conserved these rare John Cheere works from 2006 to 2009.
The ceremonial façade of the corps de logis designed by architect Mateus Vicente de Oliveira.
The Throne Room (Sala do Trono), the largest of the three state rooms in the palace, was created on the occasion of the marriage of Dom Pedro to his niece, the future queen.
The Hall of Ambassadors (Sala dos Embaixadores) was designed by Jean-Baptiste Robillon in 1757 and is one of the largest reception rooms in the palace.
One of the many fountains in Queluz Gardens.
Diana, before conservation, 2005.
Diana, after conservation, reinstalled at the Lake of the Medallions in 2010.
In 2006, WMF shipped some sculptures to Britain for conservation by Rupert Harris Conservation, experts in metal conservation.
The Rape of Proserpina, conserved and reinstalled in the Sycamore Square in 2008.
Aeneas and Anchises, conserved and reinstalled in the Sycamore Square in 2008.
Adonis, after conservation, reinstalled at the Lake of the Medallions in 2009.
Cain and Abel, modeled after an original in marble by Giovanni de Bologna (1529–1608), after conservation and reinstallation at the Sycamore Square in 2010.
Conserved works were exhibited at Tate Britain before returning to Queluz Palace Gardens, providing an opportunity for the public to learn about John Cheere and WMF’s project at Queluz.
In summer 2011, WMF celebrated the completion of the eight-year project at Queluz Palace Gardens. The project helped establish a maintenance plan for the sculptures, as well as workshops that served to train local conservators in the treatment of lead and stone sculpture.
Queluz Palace is a treasured site in Portugal and the conservation provided the opportunity to ensure that visitors will enjoy the palace’s gardens and appreciate the fine design features that were once meant to delight the royal court and visiting dignitaries.
