A Royal Display
To commemorate the Royal Coronation our curators have been working on a fascinating new display that shows objects that were worn or gifted to Shetlanders for various coronations over the years.
There are elaborate court costumes, various memorabilia, mugs, coins, handkerchiefs, ration books, confectionery and more.
The display includes an extravagant court costume from 1821 worn by Vice-Admiral Alexander Fraser to the Coronation of George IV. Tudor in style and made from cream silk with ornate metal buttons, sequins, a cape, and pigskin shoes it’s in wonderful condition.
A beautiful, and very sweet, hand-made child’s dress depicting scenes from the 1953 Coronation is there too - it was worn by Hazel Simpson when she was three years old.
There are examples of special chocolates and souvenir tins manufactured by Fry’s and Cadbury’s from 1952. Sweets were rationed throughout World War II. They came off rationing four months before the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and manufacturers were making the most of the marketing opportunity – even sending a brochure to Zetland County Council in the hopes that they would order souvenir chocolates for the local population.
It's a rich and fascinating display that captures moments in history.
Come along for a closer look.
Check the Shetland Museum and Archives opening times.
