American History: Premier Auction

British, 20th century. Limed oak coronation chair upholstered in blue velvet and trimmed with gold braid, wd. 19, dp. 15.25, ht. 33 in. Backrest embroidered in gold with Royal cypher ("E II R") surmounted by St. Edward's Crown and numbered "190" along top edge. Underside with branded cypher and maker's mark ("1953 W Hands & Sons Ltd").

Chairs of this style were made for the peers and peeresses who attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II (b. 1926) at Westminster Abbey, London on June 2, 1953. After the ceremony, the chairs were available to their occupants for purchase. Accompanying correspondence from The College of Arms in London relates that this chair, number 190, originally located in block 3 of Westminster Abbey, was used by the Viscountess Wimbourne (1918-1995). She was born Lady Mabel Edith Fox-Strangways, daughter of the 6th Earl of Ilchester and became the wife of Ivor, 2nd Viscount Wimbourne.

Chair professionally reupholstered ca 2000s.