Commemorative ceramics created for the coronations of Edward VIII and George VI, by Dame Laura Knight
Staithes Museum, North Yorkshire
These highly distinctive commemorative ceramics take us back to a significant moment for the British monarchy. On 10 December, 1936, King Edward VIII, who had ruled the country for eleven months, abdicated. He had been due to be coronated in May.
The history books tell us about the constitutional crisis, but these mugs give us a little glimpse into the daily dramas of ordinary men and women that resulted from Edward’s decision. How must the manufacturers and designers of royal souvenirs and memorabilia have felt upon discovering their wasted efforts?
Fortunately, potential financial disaster was averted by a rumour that such items would one day be rare and collectible items. Sales of such items went ahead and many can be found across museum collections today. Meanwhile, Edward’s face was swapped by the potteries for that of George VI and his Queen, Elizabeth, and new memorabilia produced.
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A sought-after artist and designer
Royal memorabilia has a long history, dating to at least the restoration of Charles II in the 17th century. Such examples were hand painted and considerably rarer than the mass produced pottery designs that were popular from the 20th century.
Many established potteries were keen to create their own royal line. These examples were produced by Myott, Son & Co with a design by artist Dame Laura Knight (1877 – 1970), whose signature is included on the underside.
In 1937, Knight would have been a sought-out artist. The year before, she had become the very first fully elected female member of the Royal Academy, seven years after she had been made a dame. Today, Knight is often considered to be one of the greatest British Impressionists, closely connected with the Staithes Group of Artists, based in the Yorkshire fishing village of Staithes, and the Newlyn School, in Cornwall.
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Exploring the design
Knight’s distinctive and lively artistic style has been applied to perhaps the most traditional of subject matter. The mug has an ornate beast form handle and the design features regal crowns and other decorative flourishes.
Saint George, the patron saint of England, can also be seen trampling and impaling a dragon to the left of this image. To the right, a red rose continues to represent England, whilst a thistle is also included to symbolise Scotland.
The inclusion of an elephant is likely to represent the monarch’s reign over India, a period known as the ‘British Raj’, which lasted until 1947. It’s a reminder of the way that imagery related to the British Empire permeated many aspects of British life and entered homes.
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In what ways was the country in crisis at this moment in history?
The references to the British Empire on Knight’s designs remind us of the ways that the rest of the world was watching Britain at the time. The crisis was sparked by Edward VIII’s desire to marry an American, Wallis Simpson, who had previously been married. In 1937, divorce was still highly contentious. At the time, it wasn’t recognised by the Church of England.
The British Prime Minister at the time, Stanley Baldwin, opposed the marriage. He argued that public opinion at home and abroad would view the marriage in a negative light and that the King’s decisions could threaten political stability – and even the unity of the Empire. Throughout it all, media scrutiny caused additional pressure. The situation was resolved when Edward abdicated and George was crowned in a coronation on the date intended for Edward. Laura Knight’s coronation mugs were duly altered!
Factory-Made Coronation Mug (1937)
Such was the demand for royal memorability (for both intended coronations!) that a cheaper version of Knight’s pottery was also made. These factory-made mugs were mass-produced quickly, using lower cost materials. They reflect the attempt of manufacturers to cater to different budgets. Can you see the less intricate handle?
Talking Points
What animals, characters, and other features can you spot in Knight’s designs on these ceramics? Why do you think the elephant was included? What do you think the knight is doing?
Do you think the colours might be significant too?
Do you own any objects that commemorate something? What?
Why do you think a pottery company would want to employ a well-known artist to produce its designs?
Does it surprise you that many people bought souvenirs of a coronation that never took place? What would have been the consequences if the royal memorabilia hadn’t sold?
Do you like the design? How do you think a design would be different for royalty today?
Does it surprise you that the country was in crisis because the King wanted to marry a woman who was divorced? In what ways have attitudes changed?
Vocabulary
Constitution: a set of principles which direct how a country is governed
Abdicate: to renounce the throne (or step down from the role of monarch)
Memorabilia: objects collected because of their connection with memorable people or historic events
In the Classroom
Hotseat
Interview a student in role as a pottery factory owner who has learnt that King Edward VIII has abdicated. How are they feeling? What will become of all the pottery they have made to celebrate his coronation?
Reminisce – Time for Tea
Have you ever been a fan of afternoon tea?
Have you ever had a special tea set?
What sorts of cakes would you serve?
What’s your favourite cake or teatime treat?
Who have you enjoyed sharing tea with?
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Hands on History
These ceramics are part of the collection at Staithes Museum.
You can also find out more about the Staithes Group of Artists, which included Laura Knight, at Pannett Art Gallery in Whitby where there is an exhibition space dedicated to their work.
Museum Location
Explore the work of other artists from the North Yorkshire coast
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