Antique 19th Century Envelope Enclosing A Piece Of “Cloth Of Gold From The Coronation Chair Of His Most Gracious Majesty King George IV”
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A fabulous piece of social history on offer here. A 19th century paper envelope enclosing a piece of ‘Cloth of gold from the Coronation Chair of His Most Gracious Majesty King George IV’. Housed within a wonderful 19th century gothic frame with conservation glass to protect against UV.
During the Georgian and Victorian eras, it was common for Westminster Abbey officials, attendants, or high-society guests to save small snippets of ceremonial textile decorations as precious keepsakes.
While the underlying structure of St Edward’s Chair is plain oak, historical accounts note that for certain high-status coronations, the chair was outfitted with an ultra-plush velvet seat cushion and occasionally surrounded or backed by lavish cloth of gold hangings or canopies. This snippet likely originated from that specific 1821 decorative canopy or the chair's ceremonial cushioning.
George IV's coronation is historically legendary for being the most expensive and decadent coronation in British history.
The handwritten phrasing "of pious memory" on the envelope indicates this was written shortly after George IV's death in 1830 to commemorate the relic.
Condition is good, commensurate with age. Fritting and discolouration to piece of cloth; card and envelope with foxing, water marks and wear; splits to envelope.
Measures 28cm x 22.5cm x 2cm
Weighs 500 grams
