ROYAL MEMORABILIA: An original HM Queen Elizabeth II Coronation stool, 1953. The limed oak frame with ,, underside stamped with makers name ‘Castle Bros., 1953’ and additionally with ‘CORONATION’ and EII monogram and impressed ‘W.T.’. initials, bearing various pencil inscriptions

Dimensions: height 48cm, width 46cm, depth 31cm

The Coronation

The Coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II was held on 2^nd June 1953 at Westminster Abbey.

Significantly the Coronation was the first to be shown as a live television broadcast. Therefore, interior design was of key importance. The planning of the Coronation took over a year – with Prince Philip acting as Chairman of the Coronation Commission.

Manufactures based in High Wycombe, were chosen by the Ministry of Works to make the furniture. This region, the centre of English chair making, notably created all of the coronation furniture during the 20^th century. The design of the chairs and stools was based on that of King George VI Coronation in 1937.

Several companies undertook the manufacturing including; B. North & Sons; W. Hands & Sons; Thomas Glenister Ltd.; Castle Bros., Maple & Co., and Waring & Gillow. The blue velvet coverings were made at Listers Mills in Bradford, Yorkshire.

Distinguished guests were given the opportunity to buy the chair or stool they had used. The Ministry of Works made the remaining unsold pieces available for the general public to purchase (although this appears to have been in limited numbers). These sales helped fund the ceremony which cost over £1.5 million in 1953.

The National Trust Collection at Dunham Massey, Cheshire holds a similar coronation stool in their collection. For more information see: https://www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/object/930899

We have a number of pieces of furniture with Royal provenance included in our store. For a further example see: ROYAL MEMORABILIA/ KING GEORGE VI CORONATION STOOL: An original George VI coronation stool, 1937

Dimensions: Approximately height 48cm, width 46cm, depth 31cm

SOLD OUT

Shipping: Price includes free insured shipping to a UK address. If you are based outside of the UK please email us directly for a cost price shipping quote.

Condition Report: In excellent overall condition, we believe this stool has been historically restored due to the immaculate condition of the frame and the fabric. Some historic wood worm visible to underside seat rail only.