This year marks the 100th birthday of Queen Elizabeth II of England, RIP.
I don’t really get into the whole nitty-gritty tabloid-esque following of the royal families of any nation. But I do appreciate the role royal houses across nations have had in the whole history of the world, and … more to the point… I appreciate the exquisite embroidery that has come into being because of royalty.
The history of embroidery would not be what it is – and we would not have what we have today in the embroidery world – were it not for the connection of royalty with needlework.
Putting things in historical context, in fact, the whole historical development of needlework owes much to two institutions: to the Church, and to royal houses around the globe.
One of the most exquisite examples of royal-related needlework in modern times, in my opinion, is the coronation dress of Queen Elizabeth II. It is Stunning – from the dress design, to the materials, to the embellishment, it is truly a crown jewel in the history of needlework and dressmaking.
So, for your weekend diversion, here’s some interesting reading about that gorgeous dress – and an opportunity to learn more about it through an upcoming online presentation.
Over at the Royal Collection Trust website, you will find this fascinating article on the Coronation Dress of Queen Elizabeth II. Take time to look at the samples of the embroideries while you’re there! You can scroll through up-close images of each of the key embroidered elements on the dress.
Make sure while you’re there that you click the “play” button on the opening video. It’s a 15-second video displaying a 360-view of the dress in optimal lighting. Oh, the sparkle!
To me, the dress exudes elegance. It is so pretty and so graceful!
But I think the most wonderful thing about it is that it features embroidered leeks – and the leeks are actually pretty.
While a fresh green leek at a quality produce stand can be attractive in a sense – there’s a certain appeal to it, especially if the bulb is very white and the fronds are very green – taken as a whole, the leek isn’t the most visually engaging vegetable in the world. It’s stiff, stalky, thick, and stolid.
Ok, sure, it’s not a Brussel sprout. But still! Making a leek actually work as a delicately embroidered addition to a dress like this took some real ingenuity.
(No offense to the leek. I love leeks.)
The Online Lecture
On June 2nd, the Royal Collection Trust is offering an online lecture about the Coronation Dress:
Join Caroline de Guitaut, Surveyor of The King’s Works of Art, for the latest in our series of digital events accompanying the current exhibition, Elizabeth II: Her Life in Style at The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace.
In this digital event, Caroline will share her expert insights into the details of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation Dress, one of the most iconic garments of the 20th century. Caroline will explore its exquisite design, symbolism, and craftsmanship and there will also be an opportunity for attendees to ask questions at the end of the event.
There’s no set fee for registering – it’s more of a donation request.
I’ve registered and I’ve got it on my calendar and hope to attend if nothing intervenes. Keep in mind that the lecture is only available live.
Have a beautiful weekend!
I recently read The Gown by Jennifer Robson, a fictional story about the ladies that did embroidery in Norman Hartnell’s studio, and worked on Queen Elizabeth’s wedding gown. Delightful!
I had never seen this dress. Exquisite design and, obviously, execution. Thank you.
You might find the book “ The Gown” by Jennifer Robson a fun read. It’s a historical fiction novel that follows the story of two women hired to embroider QE’s wedding gown. It’s well researched and very detailed.