Object of the Day, Museum Edition: A Souvenir Tie from the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, 1953

Necktie
1953
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Though I tend to focus on durable souvenirs from Royal coronations over the centuries, a plethora of ephemeral objects were made as well. Aside from paper souvenirs, fabric items were often produced rangings from scarves and handkerchiefs to tea towels. By the time of the 1953 coronation, a collection of gentlemen’s neckties were designed to commorate the event.

The central tie in this photo in red, gold and blue is part of the Victoria & Albert Museum’s collection of clothing. This tie was made and worn to commemorate the 1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The silk tie is printed with a design which is based on the Royal Standard of the United Kingdom and combines the gold harp of Ireland and the red lion of Scotland with the three gold lions of England.

I would wear this tie. I think it’s quite handsome and would be a nice tribute for the Queen’s upcoming Diamond Jubilee.