George VI Royal Coronation Stool

This beautiful stool commemorates the coronation of King George VI, and would have been used by guests during the festivities. Austerely and skillfully constructed, the stool is upholstered in green velvet with gold and cream trim, and its straightforward appearance belies its impeccable provenance and use in one of the most important events of the modern British monarchy.

The coronation of England's King George VI and his wife, Queen Elizabeth, was regarded as a sign of hope and renewal after scandal rocked the monarchy. Following the death of King George V in 1936, the Prince of Wales, George's elder brother, ascended to the throne as Edward VIII, but abdicated in less than a year's time to marry the twice-divorced American Wallis Simpson. Due to the controversy surrounding the abdication, popular opinion of the throne was at its lowest point since the latter half of Victoria's reign.

George, or Albert, as he was known, went from living a relatively quiet life as the Duke of York with his wife, the former Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, and their two young daughters, Elizabeth and Margaret, to assuming the role as monarch of a troubled nation. George dutifully accepted this new position, and upon his ascension, wrote to Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin concerning the state of the monarchy: "I am new to the job but I hope that time will be allowed to me to make amends for what has happened." As ruler during the turbulent times of World War II and the decline of the British empire, George had a troubled reign but many believe he did much to leave the monarchy in better condition than he found it.

Circa 1937

Marked "GRVI CORONATION" with crown mark underneath stool

18 5/8" high x 18 1/4" wide x 12 1/4" deep