Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
2016.36.02 |
Object Name |
Plate, Commemorative |
Date |
1953 |
Features |
Plate with decoration celebrating the coronation of Elizabeth II of England. Central device is a photo of ERII flanked with laurels and banners of various realms. The four cardinal points are decorated with crossed banners (U. Jack/Red Ensign) with the date of coronation. |
Object Story |
The coronation of Queen Elizabeth the Second took place June 2, 1953. Queen Elizabeth was born April 21, 1926, and was only 27 years of age, at the time of her coronation. The coronation took place at Westminster Abbey in London England, Queen Elizabeth II would be the 39th sovereign to be crowned at the Abbey. Though her coronation did not take place for over a year, she ascended the throne February 6, 1952, after her father, King George VI, passed away from lung cancer. She would be the sixth women to sit upon the British throne. Though it was raining in London on the day of the coronation, festivities still took place. 8,251 guests attended the Queen's coronation in the Abbey, with official representatives from 129 nations and territories present. The ceremony commenced at 11:15am and lasted almost three hours. The Archbishop of Canterbury officiated the service, a duty which has befallen that position since 1066, however for the first time a member of a different church took part in the ceremony, the Moderator of the Church of Scotland. The ceremony took place in several parts including the investiture where St. Edward's Crown, weighing 4 pounds, 12 ounces, was placed on her head, along with the bestowing of several other objects such as the orb. This was a particularly notable ceremony as it was the first in history to be televised. Queen Elizabeth II decided that the event should be televised against the advice of several members of the Cabinet including Sir Winston Churchill. A total of 27 million people in the UK watched the event on television. After the coronation was complete the Queen and her procession took a 7.2 kilometer route through the streets of London back to Buckingham palace. She then appeared with her family on the balcony of the palace, twice that day, the second time to turn on the lights of London. This plate was made by the Alfred Meakin Ltd, a pottery company that was located out of Tunstall, England. Alfred Meakin Ltd was started in 1875 by Alfred Meakin and was later run by several of his family members. In 1976 the Company merged with Myott, Son and Co to form Myott-Meakin. In the early 1990's the company became part of Churchill China. |
People |
Meakin, Alfred |
Subjects |
1950's Royalty Coronations Westminster Abbey Ceramics Potteries Pottery industry Queen Elizabeth II Churchill, Winston Spencer, 1874-1965 King George VI |
Search Terms |
1950s |