The diversity and collection of royal souvenirs has been immense, ranging from cheap mass produced flags and banners to expensive limited-edition ceramics created for but a few who could afford them. Souvenirs from earlier times become evocative of an age in which our grandparents once lived. Yet centuries ago, long before the arrival of television and popular press, the royal mug or medal served as a way of getting the royal image into people's homes.
An Early Medal Struck for the Young King
The first commemorative items for a coronation was a medal struck for King Edward VI in 1547. Cast in gold or silver, the inscription ended: "crowned 19 February 1547 at the age of ten years". As his reign was so short, these medals were highly valued. Commemorative medals and plaques were struck for succeeding monarchs and there followed other types of souvenir during the 17th century. These took the form of pottery plates and dishes,and mugs, as well as finely inscribed glass goblets.
Charles II's Coronation
In 1660 when Charles II acceded to the throne, beautiful Dutch Delft wine cups were on sale, aimed particularly at the 'upper crust' of society. They illustrated a half-length portrait of the king in his ceremonial robes and are precious collector's pieces in European markets.
19th Century Royal Souvenirs
Silver and pottery mementos have always been expensive. By the early nineteenth century, they were still only collected by the wealthy. However, paper was becoming cheaper and the announcement of King George IV's coronation in 1821, along with local celebrations of that special day were printed in some of the London newspapers. Also for the coronation, a re-enactment of the occasion was shown at the Theatre Royal in the evening of that same day and continued to be performed for many weeks thereafter. Following this in later years, the ordinary person had gleaned information about their monarchs from photographs, cinema newsreels, radio cine film and finally television which have brought royal scenes to the masses.
Souvenir Tins
The earliest souvenir tins, collected by so many people today, were made from a base metal, although that for Queen Caroline (circa 1820) had an inset brass lid. Later examples were filled with brass and steel paste. In later years, tins, filled with tea, biscuits and sweets, were also hugely collectible.
Historical Education for Children
The traditional way of connecting children with British history has been through the progression of ruling kings and queens. For those who could afford them, the dissected puzzle or jigsaw - as they became known after the introduction of the mechanical fretsaw in the 1870s - made history a little more interesting to children. Board games, too, were useful in helping children to learn about their royal family. In 1838, a game called 'Historical Pastime', described more fully as 'a new game of the History of England from the Conquest to the Accession of King George III' showing the image of the king was published by J and E Wallis in 1817.
Victoriana
When Victoria became queen on 20 June 1837 at the age of 18, she succeeded her uncle, William IV. By this time, royal souvenirs were commonplace and continued to be available to everyone on every major royal occasion, including the birth of Victoria's nine children, coming of age, marriages and in every facet of royal life.
Queen Elizabeth's Forthcoming Celebrations
The main celebrations for the Queen's Diamond Jubilee are to be held in June. Along with street parties and local events, beacons lit throughout the country and huge celebrations at Buckingham Palace, this event is to be marked by the issue of specially initialed items, much as they have been for centuries.
Source:
Opie, Robert, The Royal Scrapbook New Cavendish Publishing (2002)
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