Unique 18th-century scenery secured for the future

 

The Drottningholm Palace Theatre is one of the world’s best-preserved 18th-century theatres and a unique cultural treasure, with original stage scenery from the 1700s still intact. MTAB has now helped the theatre ensure that these invaluable stage sets are preserved for future generations.

Located next to Drottningholm Palace on the island of Lovön outside Stockholm, the theatre is today a vibrant cultural venue and a popular destination. The original 18th-century stage scenery was discovered near the stage, buried under thick layers of dust, in 1921 by theatre historian Agne Beijer. After the discovery, the scenery was used until the 1950s, when it was replaced by replicas and stored in a facility with less-than-ideal conditions. To save the sets from further deterioration, a major conservation project has now begun.

“Communication with MTAB has worked extremely well. Their flexibility, attentiveness, and gentle handling have been invaluable to us. We’ve always felt confident that the scenery was in good hands.”

Åsa Tillman, technical director and head of cultural heritage at the Drottningholm Palace Theatre

Extensive and time-consuming conservation work

Two of the 21 preserved stage designs – Ett joniskt tempel, painted by Carlo Galli Bibiena in 1774, and Trädgård by Louis Jean Desprez from around 1790 – were carefully conserved this spring according to the so-called “Drottningholm model,” which means preserving as much as possible by doing as little as possible. The work has required significant expertise, and it took nearly 1,000 working hours to clean and stabilize the scenery.

“It’s like examining the Mona Lisa – but the size of a football field – with a magnifying glass,” explains Åsa Tillman, technical director and head of cultural heritage at the Drottningholm Palace Theatre.

Logistical challenges demand flexibility and innovation

MTAB was responsible for the delicate transport and handling of the scenery. The stage sets were moved in stages from storage to the adjacent Déjeuner Pavilion, and then on to the theatre stage for the final conservation work. Ola Runefall, project manager at MTAB, describes the challenges of the project:

“With some pieces reaching heights of up to seven meters and their extreme fragility due to age, the work demanded great flexibility. We had to find solutions on-site and deal with tight spaces both in storage and in the pavilion.”

Åsa Tillman highlights the strong collaboration with MTAB:

“Communication with MTAB has worked extremely well. Their flexibility, attentiveness, and gentle handling have been invaluable to us. We’ve always felt confident that the scenery was in good hands.”

Secure storage according to modern museum standards

The conserved stage sets are now stored at MTAB while the Drottningholm Palace Theatre searches for a new permanent solution.

“Our facilities meet modern museum standards, meaning carefully controlled climate conditions and the highest levels of security. This enables us to offer clients like the Drottningholm Palace Theatre optimal conditions for long-term preservation,” says Ola Runefall.

He also notes the personal value of the project:

“It’s incredibly rewarding to develop logistical solutions for the safe handling and transport of cultural heritage objects. Being able to contribute to a project like this and ensure it’s carried out safely and effectively is truly fulfilling.”

The project is a clear example of how close collaboration between cultural institutions and specialized logistics providers like MTAB is crucial in preserving our shared cultural heritage for future generations.