Stitching For A Coronation

We all have different views about Monarchies and Republics, Kings and Presidents, but regardless of those, the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla in London was a feast of textiles and a celebration of some extraordinary skills. In particular, the work of the embroiderers of the Royal School of Needlework stood out. They contributed to a number of items that played a role in the ceremony. Two new items were the modern embroidered screen, called the Anointing Screen, and the Robe of Estate, the long purple train worn by Queen Camilla as she left the Abbey.   These were exacting pieces of modern embroidery and stitchwork made under the direction of Anne Butcher, who is the Head of Studio and Standards at the Royal School of Needlework. Anne spoke to Jo Andrews about the work and the planning that had gone into both pieces.