At Hawthorne & Heaney we were extremely fortunate to be given the once in a lifetime opportunity to help produce beautiful embroidery work for The Royal Household over the recent months in preparation for the King’s Coronation 6th May.

The coronation ceremony is a significant event in the history of many countries, marking the ascension of a new monarch to the throne. One of the most fascinating aspects of coronations is the intricate embroidery that is created to commemorate the occasion. These embroidered works of art are often deeply symbolic and full of meaning, making them a rich source of historical and cultural information.

Pieces made by Hawthorne & Heaney Ltd included traditional goldwork CiiiR Cyphers, Kings Crowns and Heraldic Horses for the saddle cloths for the Master of Horse and CiiiR Cyphers and Kings Crowns for the Crown Equerry who both rode behind the gold state carriage during the parade, alongside Princess Anne who was wearing her bicorn by Cooper Stevens Headwear with golden ornamentation also by Hawthorne & Heaney Ltd.

Our expert draftsman worked closely with Keith Levett of Henry Poole & Co, the Kings Livery Tailors, to create a beautiful hand embroidered goldwork CiiiR postillion arm badges for the Livery Uniforms.  The artwork for the badges was based on the best of historical references and the new College of Arms CiiiR Cypher and Crown.  All of these arm badges were hand sewn onto the Royal Household Livery uniforms in the weeks leading up to the coronation and were seen adorning the arms of the horsemen and women leading the carriages for all the Royal family during the event.

Our commissions also extended beyond the Coronation day as we were requested to make the updated Cyphers and crowns for quarter sheets of the horses of the Royal Mews.  These, again, were created with the best heritage pieces as references and in a style that keeps the tradition of this beautiful technique alive. 

In addition to the British monarchy, other countries have their own traditions of coronation embroidery. For example, in Japan, the coronation robe of the emperor is embroidered with chrysanthemums, which are a symbol of the imperial family. In Thailand, the coronation robe of the king is embroidered with gold thread and precious stones, and is considered to be one of the most sacred and important objects in the country.

Appletons Wool

Coronation embroidery is a fascinating and important aspect of the history and culture of many countries. These works of art are often deeply symbolic and full of meaning, serving as a reminder of the rich traditions and history of the monarchy. Whether you are a history buff or simply appreciate the beauty of embroidery, coronation embroidery is a fascinating subject to explore.

It was an incredible honour to be involved so closely in such an event and it was a pleasure to work with so many exceptional crafts men and women throughout the process.  Special thanks going to Keith Levett and Henry Poole and Co for access to their incredible archives and their ongoing support of Hawthorne & Heaney Ltd.