ROYAL EXHIBITION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22688, 29 March 1937, Page 3

ROYAL EXHIBITION

CORONATION ROBES At the suggestion of the Queen, an exhibition will be held immediately alter the Coronation of the robes and dresses worn by members of the Boyal Family at the ceremony in Westminster Abbey oil May 12. It is hoped to include the' regalia, states the London Daily Telegraph. Arrangements are now being made by Lady Smith-Dorrieii to open the exhibition to the public on Whit Monday, May 17,. in the building of the Boxal School of Needlework, Exhibition Boad, Kensington. "Queen Elizabeth feels that so very few people will be able to see the historic regalia, dresses and robes that a few days ago she suggested this exhibition to me," .Lady Sinith-Dorrien said. "Members of the Boyal Family have already promised to lend me articles for exhibition, and 1 think we shall have a very good collection which should be of interest to the many visitors who will be in London for the Coronation. Open in Evenings "So that Londoners who are at work during the day may have a chance to see the exhibition, we propose to keep it open until quite late each night " According to present plans, the exhibition will remain open for two weeks A charge of 5s will be made on one day, 2s (id on another, and ]s on each of the remaining days. After six o'clock tin 1 charge will be Is on all days. The proceeds will be devoted to charity. It is hoped that both the King's and Queen's regalia, which will bo carried at the Coronation, will be oil view at the exhibition. The King's regalia consists of: —St. Edward's Staff, the Golden Spurs, the Sceptre with the Cross, the Pointed Sword of Temporal Justice, the Pointed Sword of Spiritual Justice, the Sword of .Mercy, the Sword of State, the Sceptre with the Dove, the Orb, and St. Kdward's Crown. The Queen's regalia consists of:—The Ivory Rod with the Dove, tho Sceptre with the Cross, and the Queen's Crown. Mantle of Edward VII. The King's mantle, which will be on view, was made in 1902, and used by King Edward VII. at his Coronation. It is of purple velvet, trimmed with white ermine and embroidered in gold, with gold tassels. It will bo altered to fit King George and then returned to the Royal School of Needlework for the embroidery to lie thoroughly overhauled. This embroidery is of a very delicate and complicated pattern, embodying the emblems of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Many of the dresses and robes which peeresses and peers will wear at the Coronation will be historic garments, worn by the parents and grandparents of the present owners at previous Coronations and at Queen Victoria's J übilces.