By Historic Royal Palaces
Charles Farris, Public Historian
The Wolsey Closet at Hampton Court Palace, looking south west (2012) by Robin ForsterHistoric Royal Palaces
Welcome to Hampton Court Palace. Tucked away near the entrance to the Cumberland Art Gallery is an intimate and mysterious space, popularly known as The Wolsey Closet.
Charles Farris in the Wolsey Closet (2022)Historic Royal Palaces
It is one of historian Charles Farris' favourite spaces at Hampton Court. Charles is a Public Historian at Historic Royal Palaces.
Join Charles on this audio-guided tour as he highlights some of the special features of the Wolsey Closet.
The Wolsey Closet at Hampton Court Palace, looking south west (2012) by Robin ForsterHistoric Royal Palaces
The Wolsey Closet is a bit of a mystery. It takes its current name from Cardinal Thomas Wolsey who built much of the palace in the early 1500s.
It was once much larger and has been much changed throughout history. Listen to learn what this room may have been used for.
The Wolsey Closet at Hampton Court Palace (2012) by James BrittainHistoric Royal Palaces
Exactly how the space was used historically is a mystery. However, it may have been a closet - used for private contemplation, conversation, and storing treasures.
Can you guess what the small room in the corner may have been used for? Listen to find out what Charles suggests.
Linenfold panelling (2012) by James BrittainHistoric Royal Palaces
The bottom section of the walls are lined with lovely 16th-century wooden panelling.
The design is called "linen-fold". It was crafted to look like beautifully draped linen.
Listen to find out more about the panelling's origin.
The Last Supper; The Flagellation; A Praying Man: scenes from The Passion of Christ (c1485-1540)Historic Royal Palaces
The painted panels on the south, west and north walls of the room depict scenes from The Passion of the Christ.
As you enter the room you see The Last Supper and, to its right, The Flagellation of Christ.
The Bearing of the Cross, a scene from The Passion of Christ (c1485-1540)Historic Royal Palaces
On the West wall is the Christ Bearing the Cross.
The Crucifixion of Christ, which should follow, is missing from the room.
The paintings were perhaps originally displayed elsewhere in the palace and the Crucifixion may have been lost when they were moved.
The Resurrection; A Group of Apostles: scenes from The Passion of Christ (c1485-1540)Historic Royal Palaces
Due to the missing Crucifixion scene, the Bearing of the Cross, is followed by a depiction of The Resurrection on the north wall.
Mary Magdalene in the Garden, a scene from The Passion of Christ (c1485-1540)Historic Royal Palaces
The paintings on the West wall, around the window, depict several different figures. They include a depiction of Mary Magdalene in the garden.
The Resurrection; A Group of Apostles: scenes from The Passion of Christ (c1485-1540)Historic Royal Palaces
If you look closely at the final scenes, you will see several places where the narrative is disrupted.
This is because earlier paintings were discovered underneath and partly uncovered.
Listen as Charles explores this mystery.
If you look closely you will also find evidence of overpainting. Here you can see where a foot has been repositioned.
The paintings are filled with lots of beautiful design features typical of a high status Renaissance space.
For example, on this armour we see intricate grotesque work - a style rediscovered in grottos (cellars) of Roman houses and palaces in the fifteenth century.
The Bearing of the Cross, a scene from The Passion of Christ (c1485-1540)Historic Royal Palaces
The amazing gold and blue decorated ceiling is one of the most striking features of the Wolsey Closet.
It is edged with a border, directly above the paintings, featuring the Latin motto of Cardinal Wolsey: Dominus Michi Adiutor.
Above the motto we find an amazing border of mythological creatures including mermaids.
Creatures, vases, and, foliage were a common feature of grotesque decoration.
What animals and figures can you see?
Wolsey Closet Ceiling (c1520-1522) by UnknownHistoric Royal Palaces
The ceiling is an explosion of gold and blue grotesque-work full of intricate, shapes, patterns, and heraldry.
Can you spot any heraldic symbols which might help us date the decoration?
The intricate ceiling is constructed using ingenious Renaissance building techniques.
The effect look like it is carved from solid wood, but it is actually made from something much more surprising. Can you guess what?
Leather mâché heraldic shieldHistoric Royal Palaces
In the collection stores of Hampton Court Palace survive examples of other decorated panels which are no longer in-situ.
Listen as Charles reveals some of their surprising secrets.
Conservation of a Tudor ceiling at Hampton Court (2020)Historic Royal Palaces
Want to know about caring for this historic space?
In this video, former Historic Royal Palaces Conservator Amy Anderson discusses some of the recent investigations into the Wolsey Closet ceiling.
Fancy taking a look for yourself? Come and see the Wolsey Closet when you visit Hampton Court Palace.
Audio excerpts of Charles' Wolsey Closet tour are taken from 'A Space I Love' podcast by Historic Royal Palaces. Available wherever you get your podcasts.
