New displays at Wakefield Museums & Castles mark the Coronation of King Charles III
[Please note: these displays have now changed as of October 2023]
We are marking the Coronation of King Charles III with new displays at Wakefield One and Pontefract Museum. The displays look back 70 years to reveal how Wakefield district residents celebrated Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953. You are also invited to share your memories of royal occasions and your plans for this year’s events!
Dressing for Royalty at Pontefract Museum displays a beautiful child’s dress that was recently donated to the Wakefield Museums & Castles collection. The hand embroidered dress was made by Doris Kenworthy from Purston for her daughter Denise to wear to a school coronation pageant in June 1953. Doris was a skilled needlewoman, and the dress has been lovingly decorated with an elaborate royal procession around the hem. The intricate details include the Gold State Coach, military bands, horses and bunting. |
| Part of the dress Doris Kenworthy made for her daughter Denis for the 1953 Coronation |
In the Wakefield One atrium space, Television Reigns
Supreme includes a 1950s Ferranti television set at the heart of a
recreated living room scene. The iconic mid-century walnut veneer design is
typical of the TV sets that were acquired up and down the country ahead of the
Queen’s coronation, which was the nation’s first major television event. Across
Wakefield, people bought or rented TVs and gathered with family, friends and neighbours
to watch the historic ceremony.
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| Children watching their first TV in Fryston, 1953 - taken by Jack Hulme |
This May, many of us will watch on our televisions, computers and phones as King Charles III is crowned. Wakefield Museums & Castles would love to hear how local people mark the occasion. Visitors can share their celebrations in the Wakefield Museums & Castles Coronation Guestbook in person at Pontefract Museum or online. The museum team are also keen to hear your memories of past royal events. Did your family get a TV for the Queen’s coronation?
Did you dress up to celebrate a jubilee or royal wedding? Add your message to the Guestbook below! (Note - it may take a second to load)
Visitors can enjoy the displays from May 2023 until September 2023.
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