Synopses & Reviews
Exquisitely crafted and unsurpassed in artistry, the imaginative designs of Peter Carl Fabergand#233; were dearly cherished by the sisters Queen Alexandra of Denmark and Empress Maria Feodorovna of Russia who, through their shared patronage and positions in the British and Russian royal families, extended the Russian jeweller and goldsmithand#8217;s renown throughout Europeand#8217;s most fashionable homes.and#160;
Royal Fabergand#233; showcases one hundred of Fabergand#233;and#8217;s exquisite creationsand#8212;including examples that have never before been publishedand#8212;from the stunning collection amassed by six generations of the British royal family. Taking the forms of imperial Easter eggs, dazzling jewel-encrusted boxes, and diamond- and ruby-adorned hardstone carvings of pets, these outstanding examples of Fabergand#233;and#8217;s unrivaled craftsmanship were exchanged between members of the royal family for anniversaries and birthdays, as well as at Christmas. Together they bear witness to both the discerning tastes of their collectors and the close ties among the British, Russian, and Danish royal families.and#160;Lavishly illustrated with more than 150 stunning, full-color photographs,
Royal Fabergand#233; is the first publication exploring Fabergand#233;and#8217;s works from the standpoint of royal patronage and gift-giving. This volume makes extensive use of materials from both the Royal Archives and Fabergand#233;and#8217;s own accounts to detail one of the finest collections of Fabergand#233;and#8217;s work in existence.
Review
"Over the last two centuries, Britain's royal family has amassed a handsome collection of works by the legendary Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergand#233;. His name may be most closely associated with the Romanovs' famously ostentatious eggs, but
Royal Fabergand#233; demonstrates the full range of his creativity. . . . A suitably luxurious tribute to an opulent subject."and#8212;
Shelf AwarenessSynopsis
In 1953, the newly-ascended Elizabeth II was crowned Queen in a ceremony broadcast worldwide from Westminster Abbey. Her gown for the occasion, designed by royal couturier Norman Hartnell, bore the emblems of Great Britain and the Commonwealth on the rich white satin, and its intricate beadwork and elaborate embroidery took a team of dedicated dressmakers more than six months to create.and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;
Published on the sixtieth anniversary of the coronation, this new and extravagantly illustrated souvenir album commemorates the momentous occasion with newly commissioned photographs of the coronation gown, the Diamond Diademandmdash;also worn at the coronations of George IV and Queen Victoriaandmdash;and the many other jewels and ceremonial garments worn on that historic day, as well as items of pageantry. Many of these items are pictured together for the first time since the coronation, and they collectively tell the story of the people and places of this extraordinary event.and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;and#160;
A stunning souvenir of royal history, 1953: The Queenandrsquo;s Coronation will make the perfect gift foranyone with an interest in the pageantry at the heart of the British monarchy.
About the Author
Caroline de Guitaut is assistant curator of decorative arts in the Royal Collection Trust. She is the author of several books, including, most recently,
Diamonds: A Jubilee Celebration. Table of Contents
Introduction
Queen Victoria
King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra
King George V and Queen Mary
King George VI and Queen Elizabeth
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh
The Prince of Wales
Endnotes and Glossary
Catalogue