What is the Royal Collection

A. The Royal Collection has largely been formed by succeeding sovereigns, consorts and other members of the Royal Family in the three and a half centuries since the Restoration of the Monarchy in 1660. Some items from the collections of earlier monarchs, such as Henry VIII, also survive, though the majority of the magnificent collection inherited and added to by Charles I was dispersed on Cromwell's orders during the period following the English Civil War. Those credited with notable additions to the collection since the Restoration are Frederick, Prince of Wales; King George III; King George IV; Queen Victoria and Prince Albert; and Queen Mary, Consort of George V.

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Holyrood House

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Q. Is it true that some of the most treasured pieces in the collection will be touring the country in 2002

A. A group of some of the finest drawings by Leonardo da Vinci from the Collection will tour regional museums and galleries in the UK next year to mark the Queen's Jubilee. The collection includes more than 600 drawings by da Vinci, including anatomical and botanical studies from his sketch books and studies for major works. It is one of the largest collections of his work anywhere.

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Q. Are they not normally on public view

A. No, the tour will provide unprecedented public access to the drawings. The works on paper, including the da Vincis, are regarded as particularly fragile and rarely leave their climate-controlled galleries at the Royal Library at Windsor Castle. The collection of 30,000 drawings is regarded as one of the best in the world, and a selection is always on display in the Queen's picture gallery there.

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Q. Where will the drawings be shown

A. Details of the works�to go on tour and the venues where they will be exhibited are still being finalised.

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Q. Hasn't this kind of tour been done before

A. Yes, in 2000 the millennial touring exhibition, Ten Religious Masterpieces, which included a Michelangelo drawing, was seen by more than 200,000 people in Belfast, Southampton, Glasgow and Newcastle-upon-Tyne, making it one of the most popular art exhibitions outside London.

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Q. Will the Royal Collection be doing anything else to mark the Jubilee

A. The Collection will also mark the occasion by opening two more gallery spaces: a completely new gallery at Holyroodhouse and a greatly extended gallery at Buckingham Palace.

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Q. Who pays for all this

A. These days the Collection is entirely self-supporting financially, making its money from retail sales and admission fees. It boasts the distinction of being the only collection of major national importance to receive no Government or outside funding.

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For more on the Royal Collection go to http://www.the-royal-collection.org.uk/frMain.htm

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For more on Arts & Literature click here

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By Simon Smith