Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Monday 1 May 2023

Chairs of Estate and Thrones for the Coronation


Details have been announced about the restoration and reupholstering of the Chairs of Estate and of the Thrones to be used at the Coronation. 

The Chairs will be those made in 1953 and the Thronex the ones made in 1937. Those facts in themselves assert the concept of continuity as well as the practical reuse of fine items. 

The Royal Family website has images and details about both sets at Historic chairs to be reused for the Coronation

The Daily Telegraph website has a quite detailed illustrated account at King will make do and mend chairs from past coronations to promote sustainability

The Mail Online also has report about the restoration work at Charles will re-use chairs made for other Coronations

The BBC News website also covers the story at King Charles Coronation: George VI's chair recycled for enthronement

Allan Barton - The Antiquary has a useful video explaining the difference between the seats occupied by the monarch and consort during the ceremony at When Is a Chair a Throne?  - A Guide to the layout of Westminster Abbey at a Coronation

He has now added a second about the actual renovation of the furniture. This can be seen at The Thrones to be used at the 2023 Coronation


Whilst the ideas of both continuity and sustainability are themselves excellent this can also be seen as a celebration of contemporary craftsmanship in terms of woodworking, fabric and embroidery - very much the type of thing we have seen His Majesty seek to promote both in terms of conservation and of developing job skills in the fine arts over the years. 


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