Organisation: National Trust
Principal investigator: Rebecca Hellen
Investment Overview
TThe National Trust is responsible for the conservation of the UK’s coastline, countryside, and historic sites, and is a major holder of historic properties. The National Trust Paint Sample Archive provides access to one of the UK’s largest collections of historic architectural and collections-based paint samples. The archive brings together physical samples, analytical datasets, images and associated documentation gathered from National Trust properties and partner institutions over several decades. Covering interiors, exteriors, decorative schemes, paintings, furniture and other painted surfaces, the archive enables research into material histories, historic decoration, conservation practice and technological change. Hosted at the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio at Knole, it supports interdisciplinary research, conservation decision-making, training, creative responses, public engagement and the long-term preservation of heritage science data.
RICHeS investment has enabled the creation of an internationally significant research infrastructure for historic paint samples that did not previously exist. Funding has supported identification, recovery and documentation of thousands of dispersed, inaccessible samples, the development of standards for sampling and data management, dedicated archive and research facilities, specialist microscopy and sample-preparation equipment, and long-term data preservation through the Heritage Science Data Service. Staff across the National Trust and beyond are being inspired and upskilled. Wider audiences are being engaged through training, exhibitions and knowledge exchange, ensuring widespread benefit. To unlock this, researchers and conservators can access the Archive to undertake comparative studies across collections and locations and generate new collaborative research. By transforming fragmented and often inaccessible evidence into a shared resource this investment enables more efficient research and better-informed conservation decisions.
Explore More
Visit the HSDS Catalogue of Services for information on services available to access.
You can keep up to date with this investment on the National Trust website and the Royal Oak Conservation Studio Instagram.
