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1 of 253523 objects
King George V's Coronation Stole or Armill 1911
Gold tissue, silk embroidery, gold thread | 251.0 x 21.5 cm (whole object) | RCIN 74996
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A coronation stole of cloth of gold, red lined, embroidered with Imperial eagle, crowns, roses of England, thistles of Scotland, shamrocks of Ireland, dragon of Wales, lotus of India and Ceylon, maple leaves of Canada, wattle of South Africa, the Southern Cross for Australia, the stars of New Zealand and other emblems; red silk lining, gold tassels; broad ends bear applique Cross of St George on white shield
Provenance
Made for the coronation of King George V at Westminster Abbey, 22 June 1911.
Presented to King George V by a deputation from the Worshipful Company of Girdlers at Buckingham Palace, 9 June 1911, along with King George V's Coronation Girdle. This is probably the first time the Girdlers had made such a presentation of coronation vestments.
The wattle or mimosa was mistakenly used as the emblem of South Africa, which caused some consternation at the time as the protea, now widely accepted as the floral emblem, was already being adopted by that country. From a sketch surviving in the Royal Archives, mimosa was the final selection on the stole. The flower had recently been used on the central wreath of the Governor General's flag.
The Southern Cross and the stars for New Zealand were also not embroidered in the correct orientation. This stole was the first example of coronation vestments acknowledging the Dominions.
Sent on loan to the Museum of London, 1952, and later returned. -
Creator(s)
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Medium and techniques
Gold tissue, silk embroidery, gold thread
Measurements
251.0 x 21.5 cm (whole object)
Category
Place of Production
London [Greater London]
