Queen Elizabeth II’s maid of honour coronation dress will be displayed once again in Blenheim Palace this summer as part of its royal-themed programme.
At one of the most defining events in British history, Lady Rosemary served as Queen Elizabeth II’s maid of honour at the 1953 coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.
The iconic dress went missing for several years and was later found rolled up in a laundry bag in torn condition and significant damage to its delicate silk.
Since it was recovered, it has been restored by textile conservator Emma Telford in 2021, only a short few months before the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022.
Telford said this piece was one of her most challenging projects she had ever worked on.
She said: “I knew how much work was involved and there was going to be no extension on this!”
The Herefordshire-based Telford hired a part-time assistant to support her on the dress to ensure it was ready in time for the jubilee celebrations display.
She recalled seeing the dress for the first time and said: “[I knew] this was going to be a big challenge – it’s a tricky thing to pull off without putting a strain on the piece.”
After months of work, Telford gave the dress a new lease of life and restored the stunning gown to its former glory, and became one of the pieces she is most proud to have restored.
Upon meeting Lady Rosemary when it was first unveiled to her, Emma recalls her being thrilled to have seen the gown again and was surprised it was even found noting she had never worn it since the coronation.
Lady Rosemary’s and the Queen’s gowns was originally designed by one of Queen Elizabeth’s favourite couture designers Norman Hartnell who attended around five fittings for each piece, with attention to detail shown in including padding at the hips for comfort and being cut just above the ground to avoid any trips or falls.
Although the gown is believed to have no significant official price tag, its true value is of its historical significance and as a piece of rare British fashion history.
The royal-themed summer programme at Blenheim Palace also includes the ‘Life Through a Royal Lens’, exhibiting over one hundred photographs of the family displaying historic and intimate images from the reign of Queen Victoria to the present day.
Visitors can also visit the state rooms for daily tours led by costumed guides through an immersive experience.
The events last until 27 September.
For more information and to book tickets, visit here.
All image credit: Pete Seaward, with thanks
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