Crowning Glory

To celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, Worthing Museum and Art Gallery is displaying a miniature replica of the queen’s coronation dress as part of an exhibition of regal textiles.

The original dress for the coronation was designed by Mr Norman Hartnell. The skilfully crafted model was hand-made in the 1950s by local doll collector Dicey Williams, part of a set showing the different robes of state worn for different stages of the coronation ceremony.

Dolls of Queen Victoria and memorabilia of Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations are also on display in an exhibition which includes one of the hidden treasures of the costume collection, a rarely displayed Cape which research carried out by the curators at Worthing Museum and Kensington Palace has revealed was worn by Queen Victoria at the Garden party in Buckingham palace on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee. 

Curator Gerry Connolly said “The doll maker has captured the exquisite detail of the sumptuous gowns and robes worn by two of this country’s longest reigning monarchs at various stages in their lives, including an outstanding replica of QE2’s coronation gown designed by famous Couturier Norman Hartnell.”

The dolls are now on display in the permanent historic costume gallery. Worthing Museum and Art Gallery is open from 10am-5pm Tuesday to Saturday and general admission is free. For further information about visiting this exhibition please go to www.worthingmuseum.co.uk or call the museum reception on 01903 221448.