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1 of 253523 objects
Queen Elizabeth's Robe of Estate (Coronation Robe) 1937
Velvet, ermine, gold thread, rayon, silk thread | 550 cm (Length) approximately (whole object) | RCIN 75052
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A Robe of Estate of deep purple velvet, edged with ermine, with ermine cape. Silk and gold thread tassels for attachment. The robe embroidered down both long sides and end with gold work embroidery forming naturalistic depictions of the flowers forming the national emblems of the United Kingdom and the Dominions in 1937, including the rose of England, thistle of Scotland, shamrock of Northern Ireland, the termination with denser embroidery including the lotus of Pakistan, protea of South Africa, maple of Canada and mimosa of Australia. The cipher with the fern of New Zealand and another spray of roses beneath. Throughout, acorns are formed of padded pieces in high relief.
Provenance
Worn by Queen Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother) to the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at Westminster Abbey, 12 May 1937.
Designs were being submitted to the Queen in January 1937 with the clear intention of including the emblems of the Dominions and the home nations. The cut is similar to the Robes of Estate of Queen Alexandra and Queen Mary.
Following the Coronation the Robes of the King and Queen and the two Princesses were displayed at the Royal School of Needlework in South Kensington 19 May - 17 July (Queen Elizabeth visiting the exhibition on 22 June), at the Royal Scottish Museum in Edinburgh 1 August - 30 September 1937 (in aid of King George V Playing Fields), and subsequently toured Australia between January and April 1938.
Sent on loan to the Museum of London in 1952 and later returned. -
Creator(s)
(embroiderer)(maker) -
Medium and techniques
Velvet, ermine, gold thread, rayon, silk thread
Measurements
550 cm (Length) approximately (whole object)
Category
Object type(s)
Place of Production
London [Greater London]
