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Blenheim Palace Graffiti Mystery Solved by Art Restorers
23 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Names found 67ft up in Blenheim's Great Hall by art restorers.
- Graffiti inscription identified as F. R. Rainbow from 1931.
- Another inscription from 1921 was solved via descendant's email.
Conservators at Blenheim Palace have been amazed by the public's response to their appeal regarding graffiti found high up in the Great Hall. During a year-long restoration programme, art restorers discovered approximately 11 names scribbled 67ft (20m) from the ground. This appeal has led to the successful identification of some of these historical markings.
The team has solved an "intriguing inscription" which read: "F. R. Rainbow, 292 Abingdon Rd, Oxford, Vacuum cleaner, Feb 10th 1931." This likely refers to Frederick Rainbow, managing director of the Vacuum Cleaner & Transport Co., whose family later ran a removals firm from the same Oxford address.
Another mystery inscription, stating "These windows was (sic) varnished by G T Higgs 1921 Oxford," was also deciphered. The signatory, George Thomas Higgs, was identified through contact with his grandson in the USA, who confirmed his grandfather started a business in Oxford. The restoration project was funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The Blenheim Foundation.
