‘What did the walls conceal? Results of conservation research and the restoration of the dignitaries’ chambers and the western cloister’. – a report

The penultimate meeting in the Thursdays at the Outer Bailey series before the summer break is now behind us – What did the walls conceal? Results of conservation research and the restoration of the dignitaries’ chambers and the western cloister. The guest speaker was Patrycja Głuszko from the Castle Conservation Department.

The speaker focused on the results of research and conservation work carried out on the interiors of the west wing of the High Castle and the western cloister. The results of this work were made available to the wider public in December 2025, together with the new version of the permanent exhibition Chambers of Teutonic dignitaries.

As a result of the conservation work, paintings from the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries were discovered, and efforts made by conservators over the years were documented. The speaker also focused on demonstrating conservation techniques, and talked about the materials used in conservation and the conservator’s work in uncovering historic polychromes. The audience also learnt what might have caused damage to the historic fabric and what potential threats lie ahead. An important insight was gained from the lecture – conservation research serves not only to protect but also to uncover the history of a monument.

The lecture was followed by an interesting discussion, during which the speaker answered questions and satisfied the audience’s curiosity. We invite you to our next meeting on 25 June!