Royal Collection Studies

September 5 – 14, 2027

The Royal Collection is one of the world’s leading collections of fine and decorative art, with over one million works from six continents, many of them masterpieces. Working in partnership with The Royal Collection Trust, this ten-day residential course offers participants the opportunity to study the magnificent holdings of paintings, furniture, metalwork, porcelain, jewellery, sculpture, arms and armour, books and works on paper and to examine the architecture and interiors of the palaces which house them.

Based near Windsor, the course also examines the history of the collection and the key roles played by monarchs and their consorts over the centuries. Combining a mixture of lectures and tutorials, visits to both the occupied and unoccupied palaces in and around London and close-up object study, Royal Collection Studies aims to give experienced professionals in the heritage sector a deeper understanding of this remarkable collection.

The course is intended to be interactive, with participants asked to contribute and participate in group discussions. As with all Attingham courses, the group is encouraged to engage with current curatorial debates, questions of display and interpretation and, in this instance, the issues surrounding a working collection. During the course, members find that they build an invaluable network for the ongoing exchange of ideas and expertise.

Royal Collection Studies is organised on broadly chronological principles, developing an understanding of the changing function and character of the British Royal Collection. The programme explores palaces past and present and five centuries of collecting and display, covering all aspects of the collection.

Established in 1996, Royal Collections Studies is organized by The Attingham Trust on behalf of The Royal Collection Trust. The course is directed by Dr. Helen Jacobsen, and lecturers and tutors include the Director of the Royal Collection and senior curators of The Royal Collection Trust, Historic Royal Palaces, and other key specialists.  The course coordinator is Beatrice Goddard.  Past participants have come from all over the world and include museum and historic palace directors and curators, heritage site managers, decorative arts specialists, conservators, academics and architects. Some scholarship assistance is available 

For full course details and application instructions, please visit the link below. You will be redirected to the Attingham Trust website.

Royal Collections Studies Course Information and Application

Applications Open Soon

Deadline: February 12, 2027

US-based applicants who wish to apply for scholarship assistance may do so through the button below. Anyone awarded full scholarship funding from The American Friends of Attingham will be strongly encouraged to make a personal contribution of $250 to the American Friends of Attingham.

Scholarship Application From

Applications Now Open

Deadline: February 12, 2027

Image Credit: Buckingham Palace’s Picture Gallery © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2026 | Royal Collection Trust. Photographer: Peter Smith.