Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ In the enchanting halls of Kensington Palace, a forthcoming exhibition titled ‘Untold Lives: A Palace at Work’ is poised to unveil the hidden narratives of royal staff, harking back to the era of the Raj. Scheduled for a grand opening in March, the exhibition aims to cast a spotlight on the unsung heroes who toiled behind the scenes, steering the intricate machinery of Britain’s palaces. Among the captivating tales is that of Abdullah, an Indian custodian known as the “wild cat keeper,” entrusted with the royal tigers’ care.
‘Untold Lives’ seeks to unravel the tapestry of black and South Asian royal attendants and servants who played pivotal roles in managing these regal abodes over centuries. From the stately butlers to the culinary maestros, wet nurses to skilled seamstresses, the exhibition unfurls a rich tapestry of lives that contributed to the well-oiled functioning of royal households. It also strives to uncover the unexpected origins and identities of these often overlooked figures, revealing the kaleidoscope of global influences during an era marked by colonial expansion, religious conflicts, and the emergence of constitutional monarchy.
In a compelling visual narrative, the exhibition introduces a Turkish valet named Ernst August Mustapha von Misitri, affectionately known as Mustapha, through a previously unseen portrait by Godfrey Kneller. As the exhibition promises to bring these hidden figures to the fore, it delves into the diverse roles that sustained palace life. From the peculiar role of the ‘Groom of the Stool,’ responsible for attending to the monarch during private moments, to the ‘Keeper of Ice and Snow,’ a physically demanding task held by Frances Talbot at Hampton Court Palace, the exhibition unravels the intriguing facets of royal service.
The ‘Keeper of Ice and Snow,’ Frances Talbot, managed the royal icehouse in the 1770s, chiseling ice to cater to the royal palate’s desire for cold beverages and iced desserts. Moreover, the exhibition delves into the crucial security roles played by palace workers, recounting tales of valor as they safeguarded Kensington Palace from fire on three separate occasions. Ordinary items like a fire bucket and an oil lantern, endowed with dramatic stories of salvage, become symbols of the people power that ensured the palace’s safety and longevity. ‘Untold Lives’ is poised not only to illuminate the obscured corners of history but also to celebrate the enduring legacy these individuals bestowed upon Britain’s venerable palaces.
