The George VI Coronation Chairs
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These chairs were used at the coronation of England's King George VI
Key Features
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- These beautiful chairs commemorate the coronation of King George VI
- Accompanied by an authentic invitation to the coronation, given to the Viscountess Bledisloe
- Embroidered with George VI's insignia, "GR" under a crown
- Circa 1937
- 19" wide x 14 3/4" deep x 33 3/4" high
Item Details
- Width:
19 Inches - Height:
33 3/4 Inches - Depth:
14 3/4 Inches - Period:
20th Century - Origin:
England/Ireland
These beautiful chairs commemorate the coronation of King George VI, and are accompanied by an authentic invitation to the coronation, given to the Viscountess Bledisloe. Austerely and skillfully constructed, the chairs are upholstered in velvet with gold and cream trim, and embroidered with George VI's insignia, "GR" under a crown. Used in one of the most important events of the modern British monarchy, the chairs' impeccable provenance belies their straightforward appearance. The chairs and invitation are also accompanied by a framed print entitled "The Historical Coronation Chair," depicting King Edward's coronation chair and the enclosed Stone of Scone. Built circa 1300 specifically to house the Scottish stone, that chair has been used at the coronation of nearly every monarch since Edward II in 1308. All items are in beautiful condition.
Each chair is marked under the seat. One chair is marked with George VI's cipher with "CORONATION / B. NORTH & SONS." The other is marked "1937 / HANDS & SONS / W.P."
19" wide x 14 3/4" deep x 33 3/4" high
Circa 1937
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.
Each chair is marked under the seat. One chair is marked with George VI's cipher with "CORONATION / B. NORTH & SONS." The other is marked "1937 / HANDS & SONS / W.P."
19" wide x 14 3/4" deep x 33 3/4" high
Circa 1937
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.
