Pinewood Creative arrives with 5 royal carriages for Hampton Court Palace’s 500th Anniversary

The carriages will be parked in the palace driveway during the anniversary celebrations, giving visitors a unique opportunity to experience the historic surroundings in royal style.

Extensive research was required at Windsor Castle and the National Coach Museum in Lisbon to ensure that the carriages best represent the design of the originals as well as being ready for the thousands of visitors who will visit the palace through the summer months.

The meticulous attention to detail meant that it took over 1600 man hours to design, re-create and build the carriages. The Catherine of Braganza carriage was fitted with dampeners to create a rocking motion that would give the illusion of travel. Traditional materials were replaced with modern, sustainably sourced products, to ensure that the timber will last up to 50 years.

Watch the build progress here:

For more information and a full gallery click here.

Pinewood Creative is a design and build partner that delivers bespoke creative services and solutions combining world class expertise with the latest digital technology. Operating out of 40,000 sq ft of workshop space at the heart of Pinewood and Shepperton Studios, specialist services include sculpting, mould making, prop making, vacuum forming, carpentry and CNC milling, alongside a comprehensive range of 3D digital services including 3D print, 3D body scanning and digital modelling.

The Pinewood Studios Group is one of the leading providers of studio and related services to the worldwide film and television industries. Synonymous with world class British and international productions, our studios have an impressive heritage and have been home to some of the most successful features films and TV shows ever made.

Hampton Court Palace has been home to some of Britain’s most infamous monarchs: from the serial husband Henry VIII, to his iconic daughter Elizabeth I, to the raucous Restoration King Charles II.  Presiding over itinerant courts, each of these famous figures arrived at the palace via the famous West Front, built by Cardinal Wolsey.  The five royal carriages designed by Pinewood Creative were commissioned by Historic Royal Palaces in the spirit of that long tradition.

Historic Royal Palaces is the independent charity that looks after the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, the Banqueting House, Kensington Palace, Kew Palace and Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland.  We help everyone explore the story of how monarchs and people have shaped society, in some of the greatest palaces ever built. We raise all our own funds and depend on the support of our visitors, members, donors, sponsors and volunteers. With the exception of Hillsborough Castle, these palaces are owned by The Queen on behalf of the nation, and we manage them for the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.  Registered charity number 1068852.  For more information, visit hrp.org.uk

IMAGE CREDIT: Historic Royal Palaces