Hever Castle’s iconic Hever Rose portrait of Anne Boleyn is undergoing a unique and hugely significant process of scientific testing, aimed at determining exactly how it was created.
The portrait is, at present, in the hands of a team of highly skilled specialists from the Hamilton Kerr Institute, University of Cambridge.
These experts are carrying out a series of analyses on the portrait’s panel. Using a combination of cutting-edge techniques including infrared photography, digital X-radiography and paint sample analysis, the research team will be looking beneath the layers of paint for the very first time in the portrait’s history.
For these reasons, the Hever Rose portrait is not currently on display to visitors. While many may be disappointed not to see the portrait hanging in its usual place in the Long Gallery, the Castle’s historians are confident that the research being carried out will create a fascinating piece of history in itself.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to be able to understand how this portrait was created, and to see where it fits in to Anne’s wider iconography,” said Kate McCaffrey, Hever Castle Historian and fellow Assistant Curator.
The results of this ground-breaking research will be revealed in a new portrait exhibition, opening in February 2026 (with full details to follow).
Results of dendrochronology (in short, the study of tree rings in order to obtain historical dates), carried out on the Hever Rose portrait, will also be revealed at that time.
Hever Castle thanks all visitors for their understanding and patience while this important research takes place. It is expected that the portrait will be returning to the castle before Christmas.
The Hamilton Kerr Institute, Cambridge, a department of the Fitzwilliam Museum, undertakes the conservation of paintings for public and publicly shown collections. The Institute aims to educate painting conservators to the highest standard and to contribute to cutting-edge scientific, technical and art historical research.
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Within the grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, there are two opportunities for you to stay the night with us.
Hever Castle has played host to many important events and celebrations for over 600 years. In 1903 when William Waldorf Astor set about restoring Hever Castle to its former glory, he added the Astor Wing, to accommodate his family and guests, before creating a lake and the spectacular Italian Garden to house his impressive collection of ancient Greek and Roman statuary.
There are multiple places to eat & drink across the Hever Castle Estate. Select between the Castle & Gardens and Golf Club below to discover more.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, Hever Castle Golf Club is a 27 hole Kent golf course that will encourage and inspire all golf enthusiasts.
Set in the mature grounds of the Hever Castle Estate, the Wellbeing Centre consists of five smart treatment rooms.
