The National Railway Museum at York is to restore the outside of a Royal Carriage once used by Queen Victoria. This is the first time in 50 years it is being restored.

This is thanks to a significant private donation from one of the museum’s supporters.

The restoration is set to take around 18 months. The overhaul will include both the roof and the sides of the royal carriage.

The carriage is found in the museums Station Hall. It was the queens favorite and was finished in teak with silks, satinwood, and birdseye maple.

The NRM previously restored the inside of the carriage in 2003, though the outside remained untouched.

To protect the inside from damage, an invisible film will be put across the windows to block UV light and LED lights will be fitted to emit low Lux Levels.

The project is open to the public to view, and the team will be on hand to answer your questions. Although, access to the carriage is not permitted.

History of the Carriage

The carriage was built in 1869 and was originally two separate carriages with a corridor linking the two, one of the first of its kind. The saloon was adapted into one carriage in 1895.

The cost of the carriage was £1,800. The queen personally contributed £800 towards the cost of making this lavishly decorated carriage.

Onboard comforts were in abundance, with a lavatory on board. Although, the queen was most likely to stop off at a station for a toilet trip – as she did when wanting a meal! Not good for schedules!

The carriage, although stabled at the National Railway Museum in York, is still owned by the palace.

The modern-day queen has her own purpose-built Royal Train so it is unlikely this carriage will be recalled to service.

What did the officials say?

Helen de Saram, Conservator and Collections Manager at the National Railway Museum, said: “Queen Victoria’s Saloon is loved by visitors from all over the world and is undoubtedly one of the museum’s most popular attractions. However, despite being well cared for, the years are beginning to show, and cracks were appearing in the paneling, Shellac is peeling and yellowing and the paint had faded. It is very exciting to be able to restore this Royal treasure back to its former glory, using a combination of the latest materials and techniques as well as traditional craft skills. We are also very grateful to our generous donors, without whom we would not be able to embark on restoration projects of this scale. We plan to finish the first side in time for the royal wedding which is expected to be in May.”

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