'Golden age' of royal glamour showcased in Palace of Holyroodhouse exhibition
Curator promises insight into rapid changes of Edwardian era
A never before seen portrait of Queen Mary and a miniature sleigh paperweight made of rock crystal are among the artefacts in an “exciting” new exhibition heading to Scotland that promises to showcase the British royal family’s “golden age of glamour.”
In what is described as a unique insight into the “rapidly changing world” of the Edwardian era, the collection of royal items will offer visitors a glimpse into the life and times of two prominent couples - King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra, and King George V and Queen Mary - through their family connections, royal events, global travels and art collecting.
The exhibition, which is set to open in Edinburgh in April, is the first Royal Collection Trust exhibition to explore the Edwardian era. It will bring together more than 150 items including fashion, paintings and books, as well as personal items such as jewellery, photographs and chinaware, more than half of which are on show in Scotland for the first time.
‘The Edwardians: Age of Elegance’ heads to Edinburgh following a successful run in London, with many of the works on display produced by the period’s most celebrated names, including Fabergé, Tiffany & Co, and Edward Burne-Jones.
Full-length portraits of the two queens will open the exhibition, showcasing the spectacular fashions of the era. The portraits of Queen Alexandra by François Flameng, and Queen Mary by William Samuel Henry Llewellyn - which has never before been on public display - will be shown alongside marble busts of their husbands, Kings Edward and George.
Both couples were fond of Scotland, with Edward having studied at the University of Edinburgh and George and Mary making regular visits and devotedly modernising the Palace of Holyroodhouse to make it once again suitable for royal entertaining.
Garden parties also formed an essential part of the Edwardian social calendar, with the first taking place at the Palace of Holyroodhouse during the much-anticipated visit of George and Mary in 1911. Danish painter Laurits Tuxen had been introduced to Queen Victoria through her daughter-in-law Alexandra, and one exhibit, his painting of a garden party at Buckingham Palace, captures the spirit of the joyous occasion.
Kathryn Jones, curator of the exhibition, which is being held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse’s King’s Gallery between 24 April and 6 December, said: “The Edwardian era was a golden age of glamour and parties, but it was so much more than that; it was a fast-paced period making great advances in technology.
“Our royal couples wanted to make the most of it all, living lavishly and embracing new trends, before the sobering arrival of war. Throughout, they were collecting art as a way to hold onto tradition and capture the rapidly changing world around them. We hope that visitors to the exhibition will enjoy stepping back in time to this exciting period.”
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