Regal Chairs From Queen Elizabeth II’s and King George VI’s Coronations
Add a little royal history to your abode.
Original article published by Robb Report
You may not have a seat at Westminster Abbey for Charles III’s big day in May, but you can now own a chair from another notable coronation.
M.S. Rau has just listed three historic pieces that appeared at Queen Elizabeth II’s and King George VI’s respective crownings. According to the high-end antique dealer, it was customary during the 20th century to give guests an opportunity to buy their customized chair after sitting in it as a way to recoup costs. Dukes were gifted their bespoke pieces, of course.
Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation, which took place on June 2, 1953, saw some 8,000 guests file into the Abbey. The Ministry of Works was responsible for commissioning all furnishings for the ceremony. The 2,000 chairs and 5,700 stools took design cues from the furniture created for King George VI’s coronation and required 4,000 yards of velvet to complete. The cost of the ceremony itself was over $1.8 million (£1.5 million), and the purchase price of a stool was about $5 (£4, 7 shillings and sixpence).
