our courses
Royal Collection Studies
Royal Collection Studies 2027
5 – 14 September
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 Collection Studies is organised 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. 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.
Course Director, Royal Collection Studies
Course Coordinator, Royal Collection Studies
The cost of the course is £xxxx. This includes accommodation, breakfast, dinner and most lunches. Tuition, admissions, guide-books and travel by private coach during the course are also included. Participants stay at Cumberland Lodge, a former Royal residence situated in Windsor Great Park and now a comfortable and well-equipped conference centre. All bedrooms are for single occupancy and have en-suite facilities.
Applications
The deadline for applications is Friday 12 February 2027. All candidates will be notified by the end of March 2027 if they have been awarded a place. The full fee is payable no later than Friday 30 April 2027 and payment should be made by bank transfer. Participants are strongly advised to insure against cancellation as no refunds will be made following payment, unless the place can be filled by another suitable candidate. In such a case, an administrative fee of £200 will be applied.
Before applying, please read our Terms and Conditions. If you have any access requirements or additional needs, please contact us to discuss how we can best support your participation in the course. Our goal is to ensure that every participant has a safe, enjoyable and rewarding experience, and we are always happy to answer any questions about accessibility and the practical requirements of the course.
Scholarships for applicants from countries other than the USA or Australia
Applicants who are unable to meet the fees are first encouraged to approach their institutions for full or partial financial assistance before applying for the course. Some scholarship funding through The Attingham Trust is available thanks to the generous support of various individuals and charitable foundations. Any candidate wishing to apply for a scholarship must complete the scholarship application at the bottom of the application form and provide details of their current salary. Anyone awarded full scholarship funding by either their institution, or The Attingham Trust, or a combination thereof, will be required to make a personal contribution of £200 to The Attingham Society Scholarship Fund.
Any queries can be directed to Beatrice Goddard:
Scholarships for applicants from the USA
US-based applicants seeking scholarship support should apply directly to the American Friends of Attingham using their specific scholarship form, available online at: AFA Scholarship Form.
Scholarships for applicants from Australia
Applicants from Australia seeking scholarship support should refer to the Copland Foundation website at www.coplandfoundation.com.au and submit their application by Saturday 28 November 2026.
Please note that The Attingham Trust is a registered educational charity. Our courses are provided occasionally, on a not-for-profit basis and to a limited group of participants. This trip does not, therefore, constitute a ‘package holiday’ for the purpose of the Package Travel Regulations
The Attingham Trust reserves the right to adjust fees if there is a substantial change in the exchange rate, as these were assessed on the basis of assumptions made in October 2026. Should this prove to be necessary, members will be informed by April 2027.
Image credit: Buckingham Palace’s Picture Gallery © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2026 | Royal Collection Trust. Photographer: Peter Smith