Gifts of Grandeur: A Fabergé Pig, 1907

Piggy
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Part of the Sandringham Commission of 1907, this little piggy didn’t go to market, but rather to the Queen. This was one of many wee animals which King Edward VII commissioned from Fabergé. Many of the miniatures depicted the Royal pets and the animals which lived on the farm at the Sandringham estate. Queen Alexandra collected them with much delight. Of the many precious pigs in the lot, this one’s my favorite. 

Carved from agate, the pig lies on its side, looking at us with rose-cut diamond eyes. 

Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection

History's Runway: A Balenciaga Evening Dress, 1955

Gown of Yellow Satin, Embroidered
Balenciaga, 1955
This and all related images from:
The Victoria & Albert Museum

A masterpiece of yellow satin, this gown is embroidered with matching silk thread and gold pailletes (spangles).  It is lined with a matching chiffon with a separate, inner-lining of white silk.

Designed in Paris by Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895-1972) in 1955, the dress features  a strapless, boned bodice joined to a skirt which has been tightly gathered at the back in the center as was the style of the time. A bustle effect is achieved with a series of ruffles.

This gown was worn (with matching gloves) by one Mrs. Fern Bedaux who famously always kept several elegant dresses with her at all times, just in case she was invited to a grand party.  Mrs. Bedaux purchased her entire wardrobe from Balenciaga, amassing a huge collection of his gowns.  Bedaux-an extremely wealthy widow of American millionaire office systems pioneer Charles Bedaux, lived at the Sixteenth Century Chateau de Cand in France where the Duke of Windsor was married after the Abdication Kerfuffle ™ of 1936.

A documentary film was produced about Mrs. Bedaux.  Entitled "The Champagne Safari,” it follows the Bedauxs on their famous expedition through Canada. It also revealed that Charles Bedaux had some ties with the Nazi party—not surprising given his association with Wallis Simpson and the former King Edward VIII. 

If you want to be as fashionable as Mrs. Bedaux without the Balenciaga price tag and Nazi ties, you might want to visit our online store and take a look at our always-stylish, exclusive designs.  

At the Music Hall: I've Danced With a Man Who Danced With a Girl who Danced with the Prince of Wales, 1927

He danced with a girl who danced with a man who married the Prince of Wales.

I've danced with a man, who's danced with a girl, who's danced with the Prince of Wales.
It was simply grand, he said "Topping band" and she said "Delightful, Sir"
Glory, Glory, Alleluia! I'm the luckiest of females
For I've danced with a man, who's danced with a girl, who's danced with the Prince of Wales.
My word I've had a party, my word I've had a spree
Believe me or believe me not, it's all the same to me!
I'm wild with exultation, I'm dizzy with success
For I've danced with a man, I've danced with a man-
Who
Well, you'll never guess
I've danced with a man, who's danced with a girl, who's danced with the Prince of Wales.
I'm crazy with excitement, completely off the rails
And when he said to me what she said to him -the Prince remarked to her
It was simply grand, he said "Topping band" and she said "Delightful, Sir"
Glory, Glory, Alleluia! I'm the luckiest of females;
For I've danced with a man, who's danced with a girl, who's danced with the Prince of Wales.


“I've Danced with a Man, who's Danced with a Girl, who's Danced with the Prince of Wales” was written in 1927 by Herbert Farjeon at the height of the popularity of Edward, Prince of Wales – eldest son of King George V and Queen Mary. Such celebrity for a Prince of Wales was unprecedented to that date and “David” (as he was known to the family) loved every minute of it. Of course, he went on to be one of the greatest disappointments in Royal history when he chose American two-time divorcee and rumored lady-boy Wallis Simpson over the throne, breaking his mother’s heart in what I call “The Abdication Kerfuffle” ™ and what is more normally called, “The Abdication Crisis.”

The girl that inspired the song is thought to be one Edna Deane--a ballroom dancing champion of the era. The song, notably, was used as the theme for the 1978 ITV television series “Edward & Mrs. Simpson” which is a lot of fun to watch, but frustrating because it is so very pro-David. Nonetheless, thank God for the while Kerfuffle because without it, World War II would have had quite a different end.

Speaking of the Abdication Kerfuffle ™, we’ve commemorated the whole mess with a rather charming line of products available exclusively in our online store.

Gifts of Grandeur: A Fabergé Pig, 1907

Piggy
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Part of the Sandringham Commission of 1907, this little piggy didn’t go to market, but rather to the Queen. This was one of many wee animals which King Edward VII commissioned from Fabergé. Many of the miniatures depicted the Royal pets and the animals which lived on the farm at the Sandringham estate. Queen Alexandra collected them with much delight. Of the many precious pigs in the lot, this one’s my favorite. 

Carved from agate, the pig lies on its side, looking at us with rose-cut diamond eyes. 

Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection

Mastery of Design: Paul, The Fabergé Bulldog, 1910

French Bulldog
Carl Fabergé
1910
The Royal Collection

As a child, the future King George V was surrounded by the dogs that lived with his father, King Edward VII and mother, Queen Alexandra. Among the assorted Royal canines, King George V developed close relationships with the French Bulldogs in particular. As an adult, George had a fondness for a French Bulldog named Paul. Paul modeled for Carl Fabergé and the result is this statuette of agate, guilloché enamel, rose-cut diamonds.


King George V purchased this statuette, along with several others, from Fabergé’s London Branch shortly after his father’s death, and George’s subsequent ascent to the throne, in 1910. He presented the figure to his wife, Mary of Teck, who enjoyed these things quite a lot. While it was an addition to Mary’s existing collection of Fabergé animals, it was the start of a subset collection of tiny French bulldogs.

Mastery of Design: Cameo portrait of Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII)

Cameo Portrait of Edward, Prince of Wales
Henrik Wigstrom, 1911
Commissioned by King George V for Queen Mary
Crown Copyright
The Royal Collection
Image Courtesy of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Made by Fabergé workmaster Henrik Emanuel Wigström (1862-1923), this cameo dates to 1911—the year of the Coronation of King George V and Queen Mary. Carved into smoky quartz and set into a gold frame mounted with rose-cut diamonds, this cameo depicts Edward, Prince of Wales who would later be briefly known as King Edward VII (prior to the whole Abdication Kerfuffle), and then, as the Duke of Windsor.

The cameo was commissioned by King George V who gave the portrait to Queen Mary for her birthday, May 26, 1912. The piece was to commemorate the investiture of Prince Edward as Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester on July 13, 1911 (it was also his sixteenth birthday). King George V asked that his eldest son be depicted wearing the mantle that he donned for his investiture. 

The Royal Collection

We have some nifty things at our online store. For example, we’ve got designs which commemorate another event in the life of the Duke of Windsor…his controversial abdication.

Sunday Morning Special: The King's Real Speech

Fan’s of the film, “The King’s Speech” are familiar with King George VI’s private struggle with his speech impediment. “Bertie” never dreamed of being King. That job was meant for his older brother, “David,” but we all know how that turned out. Two words: Abdication Keruffle ™. Still as King George VI, Bertie serves his people beautifully, even during the chaos of the Second World War. Throughout it all, he was a loving and devoted husband and father who groomed his eldest daughter for her role as Queen—a role for which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II just celebrated her Diamond Jubilee.

In this rare film footage, we see King George VI, father of the current Queen, delivering a public address. You can note his stammer, but you can’t deny his eloquence. 

Want to show the world how you feel about King George VI’s kerfuffling brother, the Duke of Windsor and one-time King Edward VII? How about one of our exclusive “Abdication Kerfuffle”™ designs—available only in our online store?

Object of the Day: Postcard of the Coronation of T.M. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth

BBC News

This week at Stalking the Belle Époque, we are celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. So, I’ll be trotting out many pieces from my own collection of Royal memorabilia so that we can honor Her Majesty and look at the history which led to the start of H.M.’s historic, long reign. The only other regent to have enjoyed such a long reign is Queen Victoria. I wonder what Victoria would have to say about her ancestor’s Diamond Jubilee. 

Here’s an odd note. On Saturday, I was sitting here in my office. Above the red chair where Bertie and I often sit hangs an enormous framed, printed handkerchief from the Golden Jubilee (fifty years = 1887). As I was eating my dinner and contemplating how to best celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee, the artifact literally sprang off the wall and landed on my head. The glass didn’t break and the handkerchief wasn’t damaged (and I just have a bump on my head). Only the frame was broken—having actually sprung apart on the wall. On her way down, Victoria took with her two antique lithographs of King George V and Queen Mary. After assessing that noting was broken and confirming that I didn’t have a concussion, I began to wonder about this odd occurrence. Was Victoria letting me know that she didn’t want me to make too much of a fuss about the current Queen? “We’ll see,” as my father says (who also kindly repaired the damaged frame for me). In the meantime, let’s carry on. The house is filled with artifacts from the reign of Queen Victoria, so if any more of them attack me, we’ll have our answer.

And, so, let’s begin. 

This postcard from 1937 shows an image of the Royal Family following the coronation of King George VI (the present Queen’s papa, son of King George V and Queen Mary, and brother of the Great Kerfuffler ™, King Edward VIII, whose place he took when “David” chose Wallis Simpson over the throne) and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother). The sepia-toned photo is attributed to May Wrightson.

The inscription reads:

CORONATION OF T.M. KING GEORGE VI & QUEEN ELIZABETH 

CROWNED, WESTMINSTER ABBEY, 12th May, 1937. Official Portrait taken at Buckingham Palace.

T.M. QUEEN MARY, KING GEORGE VI & QUEEN ELIZABETH

T.R.H. PRINCESS ROYAL, DUKE & DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER, DUKE AND DUCHESS OF KENT, H.M. QUEEN OF NORWAY

T.R.H. PRINCESS MARGARET ROSE AND PRINCESS ELIZABETH 



On the reverse, we see:

J. BEAGLES & CO., Ltd. E.C. 1., PRINTERS & PUBLISHERS,

GUARANTEED REAL PHOTOGRAPH 

This is the perfect image for us to begin our Diamond Jubilee festivities. First of all, Queen Mary (who looks positively splendid) was very proud the moment this image was taken. Not only had Her Majesty just navigated her way through her eldest son’s foolishness to see her second son ascend the throne, she did so knowing that her favorite granddaughter, Princess Elizabeth (now Queen) would one day take her rightful place as Queen. The King’s sister and two of his brothers have joined the family with their spouses. And, best of all the two children of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) take their place at the center of the group.

Look how regal Princess Elizabeth looks! She is mostly unchanged. Standing there in Buckingham Palace in 1937, on the occasion of her father’s coronation, I wonder what was going through the young princess’ mind. Did she think that someday she would have her picture taken in the same spot on the day of her own coronation? Did she have any idea that in 2012 the world would collectively honor her sixty years on the throne? We’ll never know. However, we can see the reality.

Her Majesty has bravely, gracefully and beautifully led Britain since her father’s death in 1952. In doing so, she had upheld Queen Mary’s beliefs and sensibilities while navigating through countless tragedies and triumphs. Her Majesty’s performance as Monarch is a reminder of the importance of the monarchy and an inspiration to any and all who can recognize the brilliance of her career.

Personally, I think Queen Victoria would be proud. Let’s hope so—at least for my own safety.

BBC News

Now, I’ve tried and tried to embed this video here, but the BBC doesn’t want me to. So, I’d like to attract your attention to this lovely video of the musical finale of the magnificent jubilee flotilla which took place yesterday. It’s truly a joy to watch. Even in the cold and driving rain, millions of Britons came out to honor their Queen. So, the least we can do is click on a link. Just make sure to come back here when you’re finished!

Painting of the Day: Preparing for the Coronation, 1937

Preparing for the Coronation
Martin Hardie, 1937
Part of Queen Mary's post-Great War "Recording Britain" Effort
The Victoria & Albert Museum
Click image to enlarge.

In honor of both King George V and Queen Elizabeth II, we have here a very special watercolor depicting King George VI (George V and Queen Mary’s second son, Bertie, and father to Queen Elizabeth II). 

Painted by Martin Hardie (1875-1952) in 1937, the scene shows the local preparations of West Malling (Kent) for the coronation of King George VI.  This coronation was almost going to be that of King Edward VIII, but thanks to Wallis Simpson and the Abdication Kerfuffle ™, “Bertie” stepped in and ascended the throne in his elder brother’s place. 

Hardie cleverly has given us an almost candid view of West Malling’s townsfolk hanging bunting on buildings in the town square.  


Pardon me for a moment while I hawk some mugs and t-shirts.  But, don't you want your very own  Abdication Kerfuffle ™ items?  I know you do.

History's Runway: A Balenciaga Evening Dress, 1955

Gown of Yellow Satin, Embroidered
Balenciaga, 1955
This and all related images from:
The Victoria & Albert Museum

A masterpiece of yellow satin, this gown is embroidered with matching silk thread and gold pailletes (spangles).  It is lined with a matching chiffon with a separate, inner-lining of white silk.

Designed in Paris by Cristóbal Balenciaga (1895-1972) in 1955, the dress features  a strapless, boned bodice joined to a skirt which has been tightly gathered at the back in the center as was the style of the time. A bustle effect is achieved with a series of ruffles.

This gown was worn (with matching gloves) by one Mrs. Fern Bedaux who famously always kept several elegant dresses with her at all times, just in case she was invited to a grand party.  Mrs. Bedaux purchased her entire wardrobe from Balenciaga, amassing a huge collection of his gowns.  Bedaux-an extremely wealthy widow of American millionaire office systems pioneer Charles Bedaux, lived at the Sixteenth Century Chateau de Cand in France where the Duke of Windsor was married after the Abdication Kerfuffle ™ of 1936.

A documentary film was produced about Mrs. Bedaux.  Entitled "The Champagne Safari,” it follows the Bedauxs on their famous expedition through Canada. It also revealed that Charles Bedaux had some ties with the Nazi party—not surprising given his association with Wallis Simpson and the former King Edward VIII. 

If you want to be as fashionable as Mrs. Bedaux without the Balenciaga price tag and Nazi ties, you might want to visit our online store and take a look at our always-stylish, exclusive designs.  

At the Music Hall: I've Danced With a Man Who Danced With a Girl who Danced with the Prince of Wales, 1927

He danced with a girl who danced with a man who married the Prince of Wales.

I've danced with a man, who's danced with a girl, who's danced with the Prince of Wales.
It was simply grand, he said "Topping band" and she said "Delightful, Sir"
Glory, Glory, Alleluia! I'm the luckiest of females
For I've danced with a man, who's danced with a girl, who's danced with the Prince of Wales.
My word I've had a party, my word I've had a spree
Believe me or believe me not, it's all the same to me!
I'm wild with exultation, I'm dizzy with success
For I've danced with a man, I've danced with a man-
Who
Well, you'll never guess
I've danced with a man, who's danced with a girl, who's danced with the Prince of Wales.
I'm crazy with excitement, completely off the rails
And when he said to me what she said to him -the Prince remarked to her
It was simply grand, he said "Topping band" and she said "Delightful, Sir"
Glory, Glory, Alleluia! I'm the luckiest of females;
For I've danced with a man, who's danced with a girl, who's danced with the Prince of Wales.


“I've Danced with a Man, who's Danced with a Girl, who's Danced with the Prince of Wales” was written in 1927 by Herbert Farjeon at the height of the popularity of Edward, Prince of Wales – eldest son of King George V and Queen Mary. Such celebrity for a Prince of Wales was unprecedented to that date and “David” (as he was known to the family) loved every minute of it. Of course, he went on to be one of the greatest disappointments in Royal history when he chose American two-time divorcee and rumored lady-boy Wallis Simpson over the throne, breaking his mother’s heart in what I call “The Abdication Kerfuffle” ™ and what is more normally called, “The Abdication Crisis.”

The girl that inspired the song is thought to be one Edna Deane--a ballroom dancing champion of the era. The song, notably, was used as the theme for the 1978 ITV television series “Edward & Mrs. Simpson” which is a lot of fun to watch, but frustrating because it is so very pro-David. Nonetheless, thank God for the while Kerfuffle because without it, World War II would have had quite a different end.

Speaking of the Abdication Kerfuffle ™, we’ve commemorated the whole mess with a rather charming line of products available exclusively in our online store.

Sunday Morning Special: Andrew Roberts King Edward VIII, Part 1

Kerfuffle, kerfuffle, kerfuffle...

In Part I of Andrew Roberts’ documentary about King Edward VIII, we get an introduction to the British King who gave up the throne to marry the woman he loved--American divorcee and alleged lady-boy, Wallis Simpson. Andrew Robert shows us declassified FBI files which suggest that Edward VIII and Wallis were decidedly pro-German and that they, in fact, may have leaked secrets to the Nazis. It is also suggested that Hitler wished to see Edward return to England as his puppet king.

Enjoy the first part of this interesting series.

Object of the Day: A Souvenir of the Abdication Kerfuffle

I’ve made my thoughts about King Edward VIII, the Great Kerfuffler ™, quite clear. On one hand, I’m very glad that his tenure as King was very, very brief since he had political and social affiliations which would have proven disastrous for the entire globe, but I can’t seem to forgive him for the whole Abdication Kerfuffle.

Nevertheless, as a collector of Royal memorabilia, I’m always eager to snatch up souvenirs which were produced for King Edward VIII’s 1937 coronation because it never happened and, therefore, these items are quite rare.

The designs for “David’s” coronation souvenirs were undoubtedly handsome—masculine and dignified, yet stylized in a very 1937 way whereas the replacement items made when it was known that “Bertie” would take his brothers place are delightfully more traditional and family-oriented.

Take this beaker which I recently added to my collection, for example. It is, truly, stylized, but also very bold in its design and color. Had Edward remained King, his reign would have been dangerous failure, but these reminders of the coronation which never happened are very pleasing indeed.

Interested in the "Abdication Kerfuffle?"  Show your own opinion of the late Duke of Windsor with our unique, exclusive "Abdication Kerfuffle" ™ designs. 

Obscure Book of the Day: Illustrated London News, George VI Memorial Number, 1952

Following the whole “Abdication Kerfuffle” ™, Prince Bertie, the Duke of York, found himself reluctantly and rather unexpectedly ascending the throne as King George VI. He guided Britain through the Second World War and the stress of his unwanted duties hastened his early death.

In death King George VI left behind his beloved wife, the Queen Mother, his mother Queen Mary (who was, herself, also dying of lung cancer following the deaths of three of her sons and her devoted husband, King George V) and his two daughters, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret. Abroad with her husband, Princess Elizabeth heard of her father’s death and quickly returned to England as Queen Elizabeth II.

In my collection of Royalty-related ephemera, I have two magazines from 1952 devoted to the death of King George VI. Here’s one of them. This edition of The Illustrated London News not only covers the death and funeral of the brave and loyal King, but also his exceptional life.

Let’s take a look inside.

The King was dead, but life went on and people needed biscuits, shoe polish and booze, not to mention Norma Desmond's favorite cigarettes, Abdullas.

Guarding the Royal coffin.

The new Queen was crushed by the death of her beloved father.

During the war, King George VI was eager to show the people of Britain that everyone had to work together.  He actively worked to farm the lands of the Royal households.  Here, we see him making friends with a pig.  Pigs don't know Kings from commoners.  It's a nice looking pig, too.

Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother--in mourning.

The funeral procession.

The new queen rushed home from Africa.

Queen Mary was no stranger to tragedy.  Aware that she was dying, Queen Mary attended the funeral of her son, the King, and made it very clear that the coronation of her favorite granddaughter should not be postponed in the event of her death.  In fact,, Queen Mary did pass away just before the coronation.

George VI enjoyed, more than anything, staying at home and spending time with his wife and daughters.  Here, we see the King sharing tea with Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, in a rare peaceful moment.

Long live the Queen!

Blackie and Whitey were eager to sell their whiskey to a grieving nation.

I’m feeling self-promoting today, so let me remind you that in our online store, we have designs which will help you show your love of British history. Our “Teck Support” and “Abdication Kerfuffle” designs are a fun and clever way to remember the lives of those who shaped the history of the world.