Artifact of the Month: Queen Elizabeth Coronation Souvenir

1984.22.22.42A-D - Herz Gift

Amanda Kramp, Assistant Curator of Collections & Exhibits

With all the media coverage of the Royal Family recently and over the past couple of years, it seemed appropriate to share this trinket dish from Turtle Bay’s Permanent Collection. It was issued in 1953 to commemorate a momentous occasion, Queen Elizabeth II's Coronation Ceremony. As she had no brother, she ascended to the throne on February 6, 1952, following her father's death due to prolonged illness. She was only 25 years old at the time.

On June 2, 1953, the Coronation Ceremony, held in Westminster Abbey, was conducted by Dr. Geoffrey Fisher, Archbishop of Canterbury. The Queen was anointed by the Archbishop and took an oath to “maintain and preserve the Church of England's doctrine, worship, discipline, and government as established by law in England”.

The Queen’s ceremony was televised at her request, making it the first televised Coronation in history. It was also broadcast on the radio worldwide. An estimated 27 million people watched it on television, while 11 million listened on the radio, bringing this significant event into people’s homes in a way never before possible.

Queen Elizabeth became a beloved and respected figure across the globe and ruled for over 70 years, longer than any other monarch in British history. She passed away on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96. Upon her death, her eldest son, Charles, ascended to the throne and is now the monarch of Britain.

Royal Crown Derby issued this keepsake to commemorate the coronation. The premium quality fine bone china works began in 1750, and by 1761 they had created their first commemorative piece celebrating the coronation of King George III. This sparked a unique relationship with the British royal family. In 1890, Queen Victoria appointed Royal Crown Derby to be the manufacturers of porcelain to Her Majesty and granted them the title "The Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company" by royal warrant. Queen Elizabeth visited the manufacturer in 1952.