THE CORONATION.

Evening Post, Volume LXXXI, Issue 20, 25 January 1911, Page 10

THE CORONATION.

PLANS FOE THE ABBEY. (From Our Own Correspondent.} LONDON, 16th December." The preliminary work of preparation for the coining Coronation i& proceeding apace. The Court of Claims sits to-day to decide all claims for rights or services connected with the ceremonial at the Abbey, but as so many Coronation privileges were settled on the occasion of King Edward's Coronation in 1902 it is unlikely that there can be much of interest now to arise. Transforming the Abbey is a huge task in itself. All the fixed seats are taken away, statues are jremoved, and galleries are erected. This work occupies several months and during this period the Abbey will be closed. In regard to the seating the general principle adopted is to dispense with *ixed seats. Special chairs of Chippendale design, but with rush seats, were made for the previous Coronation. For the prospective ceremony there will be Chippendale pattern chairs of somewhat similar character, with the seats upholstered in silk. The chairs, and stools are all branded with, the Crown, the date and the word "Coronation," and these are secured by the Peeresses as momentoes. The Offices of Works agreed last time to sell the chairs at cost price, so that the provision of seating entails little cost to the organisers. THE CARPET. To Scotland has fallen the honour of making the large carpet which will cover the floor of the nave, and the looms of Messrs. Templeton, of Glasgow, will shortly be busily engaged upon this important task. The colour will be a rich soft blue, ana the ornamentation will include emblems of tha Order of the Gartei and other heraldic devices. From the specimens "that have been submitted by the Scottish firm it is certain that a very beautiful example of the modern carpetmakers' art and skill will be produced, worthy in every way of the splendid occasion for which, it is being made ready. DISPLAY OF EEGALIA. A complete group of the articles to be used at the Coronation has been i made by the Lord Chamberlain and Sir Douglas Da-vvson. The articles ate on j view at the Tower. Among them are the crown of St. Edward, with the Star ' of Africa diamond in front, the sceptre with the larger Star of Africa in it, the Virge or lod of power, the Orb, the j Sword of Mercy, the two Swords of Justice, the .Ring of Alliance with the kingdom, the Armillac or bracelets, the Spurs of Chivalry, the Cap of Maintenance, and other objects. All these will be borne by noblemen in the royal procession within the Abbey. Eepresentations are to be made to the King to secure the passing of the Coronation procession through the principal thoroughfares of South London.