Keepsake
Object name
Maker
Organisation
Date made
Circa 1902
Place made
Description
Small glass jar containing studio cuttings from the coronation robes of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, which were embroidered in 1902 by the Royal School of Art Needlework. A slip of paper reads, 'Cuttings of the Coronation Robes of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. Worked by Rosina Smith, 1902'.
Content description
This jar contains studio cuttings from the coronation robes of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, which were embroidered in 1902 by the Royal School of Art Needlework. It contains fragments of coloured silk thread, some of which has been strung with gold beads, scraps of purple and red-pink velvet, yellow felt on which floral designs have been delicately traced out, a button or cufflink, a stud, two beads, and two metal wrapped cords. All of this is accompanied by a small handwritten note which reads, 'Cuttings of the Coronation Robes of Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. Worked by Rosina Smith, 1902'.
The coronation of Edward VII and Alexandra was an intricately planned spectacle showing off the influence and culture of the British Empire, and this was envisioned through the work of the Royal School of Art Needlework. Lady Curzon, the wife of the Viceroy of India, contributed the design of Alexandra's coronation gown. Alexandra allowed her to design most aspects freely, specifying only that the floral motifs of the United Kingdom must be included. As the queen was to wear a heavy velvet and ermine robe, it was decided that the gown would be made of lightweight gold net with metallic embroidery, the goldwork of India greatly admired by Lady Curzon.
This little jar of memories was donated by a RSN Life Friend who had been given the pot by her great aunt, Rosina Smith, who had worked on the robes as part of the Royal School of Art Needlework.
The coronation of Edward VII and Alexandra was an intricately planned spectacle showing off the influence and culture of the British Empire, and this was envisioned through the work of the Royal School of Art Needlework. Lady Curzon, the wife of the Viceroy of India, contributed the design of Alexandra's coronation gown. Alexandra allowed her to design most aspects freely, specifying only that the floral motifs of the United Kingdom must be included. As the queen was to wear a heavy velvet and ermine robe, it was decided that the gown would be made of lightweight gold net with metallic embroidery, the goldwork of India greatly admired by Lady Curzon.
This little jar of memories was donated by a RSN Life Friend who had been given the pot by her great aunt, Rosina Smith, who had worked on the robes as part of the Royal School of Art Needlework.
Dimensions
width: 5cm
height: 4cm
depth: 5cm
height: 4cm
depth: 5cm
Materials
Credit line
Gift of Miss Holemans, 2011.
Catalogue number
COL.2011.87
© Royal School of Needlework