Before the crowning of King Charles III, the medieval chair used for coronation is undergoing restoration. Read to know more.
Coronation of King Charles III: Preparation in progress
The coronation of King Charles III is scheduled to take place later this year. Ahead of the festivities, the medieval chair used for the monarchs’ coronation is undergoing restoration. The chair is extremely fragile, has a complex layer structure, and is estimated to be over 700 years old. It has witnessed every coronation since 1308. It was constructed by the orders of Edward I who was ruling the country from 1272 to 1307.
“It’s the oldest surviving piece of furniture still used for its original purpose. 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, making sure it’s completely sound before the coronation,” stated Krista Blessley. Blessley is a conservator working on the chair for about four months as of now.
More on the medieval chair
The medieval coronation chair is 2.05 meters tall and carries the Stone of Scone. Also known as the Stone of Destiny, it was used for crowning Scottish Kings for several centuries. King Edward, I brought it from Scotland in 1296. The chair was partially destroyed in 1914 due to a bomb attack by the Suffragettes. A small corner of the chair was chipped away. In the 18th century, the lions at the base of each corner were replaced.
“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,” explained Blessley. The coronation of King Charles III is expected to take place at London’s Westminister Abbey on May 6. On the following day, there is a coronation carriage procession and concert with a light show at Windsor Castle.