A silk panel that was hung in Westminster Abbey for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in June 1953 it sold for four times its estimated price.
Although it was sold at auction, the panel will remain in the UK after a fierce bidding war with a potential buyer from the United States.
With excitement building for the Platinum Jubilee, we wanted to share Lot 300A from our Fine Furniture, Sculpture, Carpets, Ceramics & Works of Art auction on 30 & 30 May. A fine piece of woven silk panel from the coronation of Her Majesty the Queen
Sale:https://t.co/mou2V2CZzL pic.twitter. com/nQtT5zIgsI
— Dreweatts 1759 (@Dreweatts_750) May 29 , 2022
The silk panel was to be sold between 400 and 600 pounds, the equivalent of $500 and $750 dollars, however, it was eventually sold for 2, pounds, i.e. $2,500 dollars.
The special silk was hung along with other historical panels, setting the stage for the special ceremony and can be seen in many historical photographs of the Coronation.
The decorative panel was designed by Robert Godden, Rector of the Royal C ollege of Art and produced in December 1952 by Warner & Sons Ltd in Braintree, Essex, UK, which was specially commissioned for the ceremony.
It was the first heraldic emblem of the Sovereign to show the Kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland, as well as the Principality of Wales.
Queen Elizabeth II kicks off her Platinum Jubilee celebrations with a scare https:// t.co/8noVPTPOnx
— El Diario Nueva York (@eldiariony) June 2, 2022
Fabric with the ‘Queensway’ pattern in blue, with gold lurex thread, features a gold woven crown over a rose, thistle, leek and clover emblem within an oak leaf wreath on a pale blue background.
After the Coronation, the panels were given away or sold to raise money for charity.
The panel, which was purchased by the grandfather of its former owner, it is framed and has a handwritten label on the back that reads: ‘Portion of the Damascus frontal used in Westminster Abbey on the occasion of the coronation of Her M. Elizabeth II, June 2, 1953’.
Sold at an online auction held on Monday 30 May by Dreweatts Auctioneers.
Silas Currie, Senior Appraiser of Dreweatts said: “There was international interest leading up to the sale and on the day, a lively and vigorous battle between UK and international buyers pushed the final price up considerably above expectations, Zenger News noted.
“The item was purchased by a UK buyer from an American bidder.”
“It was a timely item to that Dreweatts offered it today and a ‘happy and glorious’ result for It was the supplier”, assured the media.
“We were honored to offer such a rare historical memento, reminiscent of the start of the Queen’s reign and how moving, as we celebrate her Platinum Jubilee and her 70 years on the throne”.
Queen Elizabeth II is the first British monarch to have a platinum Jubilee, after having spent 300 years on the throne, and the Milestone is celebrated between Thursday 2nd and Sunday 5th June. 2022
Also read:
Queen Elizabeth II: Who are the monarchs who have reigned longer (and where is the British monarch located)
Elizabeth II: More than 000 Curious records set by the British queen (and the United States is included in some)
Queen Elizabeth II kicks off the celebrations of his Platinum Jubilee with a scare