The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

Picking up a King Charles III coronation commemorative plate? You're buying into a centuries-old tradition

  • Written by Sarah Bendall, Research Fellow, Gender and Women's History Research Centre, Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences, Australian Catholic University
Picking up a King Charles III coronation commemorative plate? You're buying into a centuries-old tradition

Mugs and plates celebrating the coronations, marriages and deaths of British royalty are not unusual sights in the Australian home. With the forthcoming coronation of King Charles III on May 6, such memorabilia cluttering our cupboards are only likely to increase.

Guides to “the best King Charles III memorabilia[1]” are already advising what souvenirs to buy, including commemorative coins, biscuit tins, tea towels, plates and, of course, mugs.

Yet the royal souvenir is not a recent invention.

Read more: We've been collecting souvenirs for thousands of years. They are valuable cultural artefacts – but what does their future hold?[2]

History of the royal mug

The tradition of celebrating royal events with a mug or drinking vessel dates to at least the 17th century when the current king’s ancestor and namesake, Charles II, was restored to the English throne in 1660-1.

Several mugs and cups produced at the time have survived and depict the “merry monarch[3]”.

Cup, tin-glazed earthenware (delftware), with a bust portrait of Charles II, probably Southwark, 1660-1665. Victoria and Albert Museum

The restoration of Charles II (after his father Charles I had been executed by order of parliament in 1649) was greeted with rejoicing throughout England, Scotland and Ireland.

The famous social climber and diarist Samuel Pepys embodied the general feeling of this time when he wrote that on the day of Charles II’s coronation he watched the royal procession with wine and cake and all were “very merry[4]” and pleased at what they saw.

Read more: Beheaded and exiled: the two previous King Charleses bookended the abolition of the monarchy[5]

Drinking and eating in celebration may account for why mugs and plates were, and remain, such popular forms of royal memorabilia; they were used to drink loyal toasts[6] of good health to the monarch on special days of celebration.

While a strong ale was the preferred liquid for 17th-century toasts, as the British Empire expanded tea drinking became a common pastime. Teacups became popular royal souvenirs during the reign of Queen Victoria in the 19th century.

Commemorative teacup for Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee, 1896. McCord Stewart Museum

Fostering support

The earthenware mugs made for Charles II’s coronation were relatively inexpensive, but not produced on a mass scale.

With the industrial revolution of the 19th century and the rise of souvenir culture, royal memorabilia in all forms became more popular and widespread[7].

Since 1900, royal births, deaths, marriages and coronations have been big money for manufacturers of royal memorabilia.

Mug celebrating the coronation of Edward VII in 1902. Te Papa (CG000043/B), CC BY-NC-SA[8]

The pitfalls of mass production were realised in 1936 when Edward VIII abdicated from the throne just months before his planned coronation in May 1937. Manufacturers were stuck with thousands of mugs[9], plates and other items celebrating the coronation of a king that would not happen.

Many of these mugs still made their way out to the market, while other manufacturers such as Royal Doulton adapted existing designs[10] and used them for the coronation of his brother, George VI.

Mug commemorating the planned coronation of Edward VIII. Powerhouse collection. Gift of the Royal Australian Historical Society, 1981. Photographed by Bob Barker.

English monarchs were not the only royals to encourage the use of their image on objects collected, worn or used by their subjects.

Renaissance Italian princes popularised the portrait medal[11] and the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain, Charles V, fostered support in his vast territories using mass-produced medallions bearing his image[12].

An enamel medallion depicting Emperor Charles V (1500–1558), ca. 1518–20. The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Objects with images of royalty served similar functions in the 20th century. Australian school children were often given medals[13] to commemorate coronations, while children in England were gifted pottery mugs to drink to the sovereign’s health.

When Elizabeth II was crowned in 1953, English children[14] received mugs, tins of chocolate and a spoon or coin.

Measuring popularity

Royal memorabilia don’t just foster support but act as a barometer of the popularity of the royal family around the globe.

Coronation mugs became popular in the reign of Charles II in 1661 because these objects captured the joyous feeling of a nation that had endured 20 years of warfare and political chaos.

Delftware featuring Charles II and Catherine of Braganza, likely commemorating their wedding. ca. 1662-1685. Victoria and Albert Museum

Support for the royal family has often been shown through royal weddings and marriages: plates depicting Charles II and his Portuguese bride, Catherine of Braganza, were made to celebrate their union in 1662.

Recently a gold pendant[15] inscribed with the initials of Henry VIII and his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, likely worn by a supporter, was also discovered.

Gold pendant associated with Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon, ca. 1509-1530. Birmingham Museums Trust, CC BY[16]

For Prince William and Kate Middleton’s highly anticipated wedding in 2011, thousands of types of mundane and wacky souvenirs[17] were produced, such as plates, mugs, magnets, graphic novels, toilet seat covers and PEZ dispensers.

Over 1,600 lines of official merchandise were produced for the marriage of Princes Charles to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. Less than 25 lines[18] were produced for Charles’ unpopular second marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005.

Charles and Diana cup to commemorate their wedding on July 29 1981. Author provided

While Charles may not be as popular[19] as his mother, coronation fever has most definitely taken hold in the United Kingdom. Royal fans are set to spend £1.4 billion (A$2.6 billion) on coronation parties and souvenirs[20].

The availability of coronation souvenirs and party supplies in Australia is somewhat more limited – perhaps an indicator of Australia’s diminishing appetite for the royal family amid increased calls for another vote on a republic[21].

Read more: What King Charles III's coronation quiche tells us about the history of British dining[22]

References

  1. ^ the best King Charles III memorabilia (www.houseandgarden.co.uk)
  2. ^ We've been collecting souvenirs for thousands of years. They are valuable cultural artefacts – but what does their future hold? (theconversation.com)
  3. ^ merry monarch (www.historyextra.com)
  4. ^ very merry (www.pepysdiary.com)
  5. ^ Beheaded and exiled: the two previous King Charleses bookended the abolition of the monarchy (theconversation.com)
  6. ^ drink loyal toasts (stuarts.exeter.ac.uk)
  7. ^ popular and widespread (theconversation.com)
  8. ^ CC BY-NC-SA (creativecommons.org)
  9. ^ thousands of mugs (trove.nla.gov.au)
  10. ^ adapted existing designs (www.britishmuseum.org)
  11. ^ portrait medal (www.metmuseum.org)
  12. ^ bearing his image (www.metmuseum.org)
  13. ^ given medals (trove.nla.gov.au)
  14. ^ English children (www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk)
  15. ^ gold pendant (www.smithsonianmag.com)
  16. ^ CC BY (creativecommons.org)
  17. ^ souvenirs (www.latimes.com)
  18. ^ Less than 25 lines (issuu.com)
  19. ^ as popular (www.forbes.com)
  20. ^ coronation parties and souvenirs (www.thesun.co.uk)
  21. ^ vote on a republic (www.abc.net.au)
  22. ^ What King Charles III's coronation quiche tells us about the history of British dining (theconversation.com)

Read more https://theconversation.com/picking-up-a-king-charles-iii-coronation-commemorative-plate-youre-buying-into-a-centuries-old-tradition-200646

The Times Features

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Uncover the Elegance of Gorgeous Diamond Tennis Necklaces

Key Highlights Diamond tennis necklaces are a timeless piece of jewelry that exudes elegance and sophistication. They feature a continuous line of brilliant-cut diamonds, cre...

Dental Implants vs. Dentures: Which Is Better for You?

When it comes to replacing missing teeth, two of the most common options are dental implants and dentures. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so choosing between them ...

What Neck Pain Really Means (And Why It’s More Than Just Poor Posture)

Neck pain is often brushed off as something temporary — a tight spot after a long day at the desk or a poor night’s sleep. But when the discomfort keeps returning, it could be a ...

The Work of Gosha Rubchinskiy: Fashion, Culture, and Youth

From Designer to Cultural Architect Gosha Rubchinskiy is not just a fashion designer—he's a cultural force. Born in Moscow in 1984, Rubchinskiy began his career in fashion in t...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping