REFURNISHING WINDSOR CASTLE

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22319, 5 February 1938, Page 19

REFURNISHING WINDSOR CASTLE

THE old glories of Windsor Castle are to return. Both the King and Queen are at the moment giving a good deal of thought and attention to plans which are aimed at bringing about this revival. There is cver y likelihood that soon Windsor be occupying a place in the -eneral life of the Royal Family to an extent that has not been seen since the days of Queen Victoria, whose association with Windsor is historic. After the death of the prince Consort she lived there in strict seclusion for a time. It became imbued with the genuine family atmosphere both for the Queen and her relatives.

paration for this a number of extensive alterations are now being Fu in .^ an d> a H designed to make the ancient castle a place of modern residence. Whole suites are being modernised and entirely refurnished. These include the private apartments set apart for the Queen’s own use, those set apart for the King and Princesses, and those for intimate visitors. One of the most notable changes will be the abolition of the old heavy velvet hangings. These, on the insistence of the Queen, are to give way to lighter brocades—a change that is being made practically throughout the castle. Careful selection is also be-

Every path in Windsor had fond associations for Victoria. There were rooms within the grand old castle —which has remained a proud pile sinyh the distant days of the Conquest—which on her strict orders remained unchanged from year to year. There is still in Windsor a vast quantity of furnishings and appointments which date from the days of Queen Victoria. Queen Mary made certain innovations but on the whole the interior arrangements of the castle remained very much as they had always been. Brighter Furnishing (Both King George and Queen Eiabeth are very fond of Windsor, mi they have now decided, after &isultation with Queen Mary, to rfake Windsor the Royal Family’s week-end home. They plan to begin in the New Year, and in pre-

inff made of the pictures which are a pa~t of the traditional castle furnishings. There are some very fine works t f art on the walls, and many more have been stored away for years. The best of these will now be brought out and displayed to the best advantage and in surroundings which will aim at abolishing any suggestion of heaviness and gloom. Princesses’ Rooms Generally speaking the private apartments in the castle will all be redecorated in bright pastel shades which are a favourite of the Queen. Her own rooms will be done in pale green colours, which she especially favours. Special arrangements are being made for the accommodation of Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. Princess Elizabeth will have her own room and there will be an extension of the appartment

Historic Residence to be Modernised: Telephones for Every Room [Specially written for “The Press” by H. WYNDHAM BOYCE.]

that is at present set apart for a nursery so that Prince Edward of Kent and his sister Princess Alexandra may occasionally come to stay. The entire kitchen equipment of the castle is to be overhauled and as at Buckingham Palace the latest devices will be incorporated. These will include new un-to-date cooking ranges and a number of refrigerators. Both the Queen and Queen Mary have given personal attention to the renovations. King’s Study Not to be Changed Another improvement that is to be made at the castle is the provision of many more bathrooms —bath-

rooms that are on thoroughly up-to-date lines of comfort and convenience. The plans provide, too, for the instalment of a great many new gas fires. All the guest rooms will be equipped in this fashion. Perhaps the most striking innovation is the extension of the house telephone system. Not only every room in the castle is to have its own telephone, but there will be instruments fitted in every corridor. The Queen’s own idea is that every room telephone shall be of a colour in keeping with the internal decoration scheme of the particular room. One room that is not to be touched at all during this work of redecoration is the King’s own study. It is His Majesty's special wish that this room shall remain just as it was when his father used it. There still is King George V’s desk, with the pens and the inkwell he used still in place. They will stay unchanged.