The "extremely fragile" medieval chair used for the crowning of monarchs since the 14th century underwent conservation work for King Charles III's Coronation.
One of the most precious pieces of furniture in the world, preservation tasks on the 700-year-old chair included cleaning and sticking layers of gilding back down. Work on the chair started four months ago to ensure it was ready for the ceremony at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6th May 2023.
The oak chair has been in use at the Coronation ceremony since 1308 and was originally thought to be covered in gold leaf with decorative patterns of birds, foliage and animals.
"It's the oldest surviving piece of furniture still used for its original purpose," conservator Krista Blessley, tells BBC News. "It's extremely fragile. It has a complex layer structure, which means the gilding layers often flake off, so a lot of my work is sticking those layers of gilding back down."
The Coronation chair was made by order of King Edward I to enclose the famous Stone of Scone, which he brought from Scotland to Westminster Abbey in 1296.
During the Second World War, the chair was evacuated to Gloucester Cathedral and the Stone was secretly buried in the Abbey. It features graffiti on the back part, which is thought to be the result of Westminster schoolboys and visitors carving their names in the 18th and 19th centuries. Plus, a bomb attack in 1914 thought to be organised by the Suffragettes even knocked a small corner off it.
Krista adds: "If there are little changes in humidity the wood moves, and that complex layer structure moves - new areas will lift. I might consolidate something this month, then in two months I might need to consolidate it again."
In other Coronation news, Buckingham Palace announced that Camilla, Queen Consort, will wear Queen Mary's crown at the Coronation.
King Charles III souvenirs: The best memorabilia to mark the Coronation
The Coronation Gin - In Collaboration With Historic Royal Palaces
The Coronation Gin is the latest creation from Gin In A Tin, made in collaboration with Historic Royal Palaces. We love the beautiful design, which features a magnificent gold foiled crown, adorned with the iconic symbols of the four nations of the United Kingdom: a classic English rose, a traditional Scottish thistle, a springtime Welsh daffodil and the delicate Irish shamrock.
Upon sipping, you will notice distinctive notes of coriander, cardamom, lemon peel and botanicals centred around juniper berries. This tipple makes for the ultimate royal celebration drink, particularly when making a classic gin cocktail.
Raise your cuppa to our new King with Emma Bridgewater's commemorative mug. Perfect for fans to snap up in time for the Coronation.
3 Cheers for King Charles III Tin Tea Caddy
Keep your teabags safe and secure in this colourful caddy. Featuring King Charles' official cypher and rows of miniature crowns, it's available to purchase for just £10.
Coronation Party Embroidered Cushion in Luxury Wool Felt
This fabulous appliquéd and hand-embroidered cushion celebrates the Coronation in style. A beautiful keepsake to treasure for years to come.
This commemorative mug features the words 'King Charles Coronation' and includes an illustration of a crown surrounded by Union Jack flags. It's perfect to add to your Coronation memorabilia collection.
Featuring King Charles' official cypher, this handprinted mug from Etsy is a wonderful keepsake for the coronation of the King.
These stylish crown studs are an original design by jewellery artist Francesca Stella, hand-crafted in her studio in Cornwall using your choice of ethical gold.
The design is available exclusively on the Country Living Marketplace and can have the Coronation commemorative hallmark applied to them upon request before purchase.
Raise your morning coffee to our new King with Emma Bridgewater's appropriate 1/2 pint mug.
Coronation Delphinium Crown Commemorative Tea Towel in Blue
Printed and made in Great Britain, this Coronation commemorative tea towel celebrates King Charles III's favourite flower, the Delphinium, and his love of nature. It's made from 100% sustainably farmed cotton and is printed using reactive inks that are free from harmful chemicals.
Don't start your Coronation party without these Union Jack bunting napkins from Emma Bridgewater.
Protect your coffee table from spills and stains with this King Charles III coaster. Made from beech, it features the King's official cypher.
We love this commemorative mug which features an official portrait of King Charles III. It's the perfect souvenir to get your hands on ahead of the Coronation.
Dunoon His Majesty the King Charles III Accession Wessex Shape Mug
Enjoy your morning brew in this King Charles III Coronation mug. Embellished with 22 carat gold, it features the silhouette of the King on the front and back, and is decorated with vine motifs and a beautiful deep blue colour.
This commemorative tea towel features an official portrait of the King alongside the words 'King Charles III, 8th September 2022'.
Hang this King Charles Coronation flag at your street party to celebrate our new monarch.
Black Toast King & Queen Set Of 2 1/2 Pint Mugs
Give your kitchen cupboards the royal treatment with this set of two King and Queen mug from Emma Bridgewater. Each set comes presented in a box.
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
