Painting of the Day: Queen Elizabeth II in Coronation Robes, 1953

Design for the Coronation Gown
Norman Hartnell, 1953
Crown Copyright
Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
The Royal Collection

Norman Hartnell, a favorite designer of Queen Elizabeth II, was the first couturier to be knighted when he received the honor during the Silver Jubilee of 1977. For decades, Hartnell served as couturier to senior members of the royal family and made both the wedding dress and Coronation Dress of Queen Elizabeth II.


The design of the coronation dress was well-guarded, allowing considerable excitement to build in anticipation of the ceremony. This painting shows Hartnell’s final design which relied on his trademarks of extensive embroidery, pearls and other glittering adornment.

The finished gown, 1953
The Royal Collection