The earlier RSN post triggered many responses and more information which I am delighted to share with you.
Marion Scoular, who many of you know, and who was a student at RSN just after I left, tells me that the gown worn by the Queen for her Coronation, was not only designed by Norman Hartnell but was constructed and beaded in his workrooms. RSN did not do beadwork.
The train or robe was designed and stitched at RSN by their work room staff. It took 12 embroiderers 3500 hours of stitching to complete this, working round the clock from March to May. The cuttings from the velvet of the train were made into pin cushions and sold to the public. Does anyone happen to own one of these pincushions?
Queens Coronation
A further email from Debbie credits the National Trust for preserving Joan Lander’s embroidery and legacy.
Sue Jones of Shropshire tells me that she was fortunate to meet Joan Lander once or twice as an elderly lady. Joan was President of the local Embroiderer’s Guild. At one meeting where the speaker was dismissive of traditional embroidery skills, Joan got up and walked out. I do remember hearing about this at the time but did not then know who Joan Lander was. There was a time a few decades ago when embroidery was very experimental and people were not interested in traditional work. That time has passed and experimentation has become more moderate and the traditional skills are honoured. Sue comments that Joan’s embroidery was exquisite.
I hope that the correct information plus this wonderful photo will set the record straight.
A future subject for this blog will be Leek Embroidery. If you have some information on this subject, I would appreciate receiving it so that the record here is as complete and accurate as is possible.
The Queen looks wonderful in her robes and the train is just breathtaking ! I wonder if the Queen ever does embroidery…I,d love to see , wouldn,t you ? : )
You asked if anyone has one of the emery cushions made from he silk velvet used for the robe at the Queen’s Coronation in 1953 and embroidered at the RSN and I do.
Hello Alison,
Lucky you to have one of the emery cushions made from the silk velvet used for the Queen’s Coronation robe. It is a treasured piece of history and one that will endure a long time. I hope that you get it out once in awhile and show it off to your family and friends. Maybe, you even use it yourself all the time.
Thank you for your comment and sharing. All good wishes, Ann B.