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SIR NORMAN HARTNELL (1901-79)

Embroidery sample of the Protea of South Africa

1952-53

Wood, silk satin, silk thread, bugle beads, sequins, crystals | 19 cm (diameter) | RCIN 300025

These hoops contain the original samples for each of the national emblems which would be embroidered onto the Coronation Gown. Together with his assistant, Ian Thomas, Hartnell carefully researched each emblem to ensure it was correct and each was then verified by the Earl Marshal, who was responsible for who was officially responsible for organising the Coronation. The embroidery was carried out in the embroidery workroom at Hartnell’s couture house in Bruton Street, London under the direction of Miss Edie Dulie and took many hours for the team of embroideresses to complete. In total the Coronation Gown took more than five months to make.

The embroidery samples include:
Tudor Rose of England
Thistle of Scotland
Leek of Wales
Shamrock of Northern Ireland
Wattle of Australia
Maple Leaf of Canada
Silver Fern of New Zealand
Lotus Flower of India
Wheat, Cotton and Jute of Pakistan
Protea of South Africa

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