An original King George VI Coronation chair, 1937.

The frame in limed oak with seat and back rest upholstered in aged green velvet, trimmed with gold braid. The backrest is embroidered with GVI cypher, underside stamped with makers name “Hands & Son Ltd”, ‘CORONATION’ ‘1937’ and GVI cypher.

Dimensions – Height 85cm, width 49cm, depth 39cm

The Coronation of George VI and Elizabeth

The Coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth was held on 12^thMay 1937. The event was to be a grand spectacle of Royal pageantry and was one of the first large events to be filmed as an outside broadcast for BBC Television (which was then in its infancy).

The Coronation of George VI was to be a grand and traditional affair, in the mould of the coronation of his father George V. The ceremony was held on the exact date it was planned for Edward VIII’s Coronation. George VI had been heavily involved with the plans for his brother’s coronation. Edward VIII had desired to have no coronation ceremony at all, and only agreed upon a paired down service. After the abdication crisis it was agreed the event would go ahead on the same date and on a larger scale. Queen Mary took great interest in the design of the furniture for the ceremony and ensured it had a traditional feel in keeping with previous coronation ceremonies.

Furniture manufacturers based in High Wycombe, the centre of English chair making during this period, produced all of the chairs and stools for the ceremony.

These chairs were used by distinguished guests during the coronation ceremony and were available for attendees to purchase after the event (as a way to help fund the ceremony itself). Originally the fabric would have had a blue tone, but typically over time all have faded to a green.

Queen Mary herself sat on an identical chair during the ceremony. The chair was sold at Christies as part of the Collection of H.R.H. The Princess Margaret, Countess of Snowdon in 2006 for over £38,000.

For similar chairs see the Winston Churchill Collection held by the National Trust at Chartwell, Kent. http://www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/object/1101634.1

For more pieces of Coronation furniture included in our store see:

ROYAL MEMORABILIA: A pair of original King Edward VII coronation chairs, 1902

A corresponding George VI Coronation stool is also available.

Condition report: Overall condition good – some looseness to joints, staining to fabric throughout and uneven colour, wear particularly to corners. The original braid in good order, some wear to cypher embroidery, some marks to legs and staining. Displays well. (see images).

Dimensions: Height 85cm, width 49cm, depth 39cm

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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: Condition report: Overall condition good – some looseness to joints, staining to fabric throughout and uneven colour, wear particularly to corners. The original braid in good order, some wear to cypher embroidery, some marks to legs and staining, chip to right back support. Displays well. (see images).