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Buckingham Palace
Waterloo Vase
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Set within the gardens of Buckingham Palace, the Waterloo Vase stood as both sculpture and symbol. Designed by the eminent sculptor Sir Richard Westmacott, it was carved from a single block of Carrara marble to commemorate the triumph of the Napoleonic Wars. Monumental in scale and classical in form, the vase embodied a nation’s victory translated into stone.
In 1906, Edward VII had it placed within the palace gardens, where it remained, exposed to weather, admired by generations, and gradually marked by time.
Client
Royal Household
Dates
2026
—
2015
Location
London
Grade listing
Grade I
Fabric
Marble
Assessing a Royal Survivor
By 2015, the marble surface showed the subtle wear of more than a century outdoors. DBR London was instructed by the Royal Household to undertake conservation and repair works, beginning with a detailed survey and condition report. Every fissure, stain, and area of weakness was recorded, forming the basis for a carefully considered intervention.
Cleaning Without Erasing
The first practical stage involved conservation steam cleaning, chosen for its ability to remove dirt and biological growth without introducing harsh chemicals. The conservation process revealed the natural brightness of the Carrara marble while preserving the delicate surface modelling of Westmacott’s carving.
Stabilising the Fragile
Areas where the stone had become loose or friable were consolidated, strengthening vulnerable sections and preventing further loss. This work was carried out with precision, ensuring that structural stability was achieved without altering the sculpture’s appearance.
To provide ongoing protection, a lime shelter coat was applied. This breathable layer offered defence against weathering while allowing the marble to continue responding naturally to environmental conditions.
Working Under Royal Stewardship
Throughout the project, DBR maintained close liaison with the Royal Household’s Building Surveyor and conservation specialists, ensuring that every decision respected both the artistic significance of the vase and its status within a royal landscape.
When the works were complete, the Waterloo Vase remained where Edward VII placed it, renewed, stabilised, and ready for the years ahead. Its marble read clearly again, its monumentality intact, preserving both a work of art and a quiet testament to British history.
