Newsletter: May 2023
Crowned: the making of a monarch
May was all about the Coronation in the Royal Mint Museum. It was a time for public celebration, symbolising the transition from one reign to the next, a change which many people will not have experienced in their lifetimes. The Museum team were ready to reach out and share stories from our collection showing the history of these transitions while looking forward to the future developments in the reign of King Charles III.
Exhibition
On 6th May, the coronation day, we opened our latest exhibition celebrating the coronation as a defining moment for the new King and for British national identity.
This exhibition explores both the traditions and formalities of the coronation itself, as well as the period of change which follows, seen widely in the gradual alteration of everyday objects and language. From a new portrait on coins and stamps, to new words in the National Anthem, a change of reign is deeply woven into the fabric of our society today and, at the same time, marks a turning point in the history of the United Kingdom.
You can book a tour and see the exhibition for yourself at the Royal Mint Experience in Llantrisant South Wales.
Web content
For those who are not able to visit our exhibition there are still many ways to find out more about the coronation and change of reign. Our Information and Research team worked hard to create online content that explores the development of coinage, medals and seals by the Royal Mint for new monarchs.
The content features the iconic coronation crown of the young Elizabeth II produced in 1953 which is easily recognisable to many collectors, an overview of coronation medals from James I to Elizabeth II and a personal story from the artist James Butler about what it takes to make a Great Seal.
You can find out more by visiting our online coronation hub: https://www.royalmintmuseum.org.uk/journal/curators-corner/crowned/
Education
This month our Education Manager, Amy Williams, produced a host of learning content for young people relating to the coronation. She created a series of pages with family friendly activities and information which reinforces links to the Royal Mint’s own history and connections to coronations of the past.
On these pages you can discover more about the ancient traditions of the coronation, learn about the symbols and artwork associated with coronations, explore stories about coronation medals from the past, find links to other interesting resources and download activity sheets.
You can find these pages and more family friendly content on our learning zone
Social Media
Across our social media channels this month we have been sharing a host of Coronation content! Medals have been produced for Coronations since the reign of Edward VI (1547-53) and were, traditionally, distributed amongst the audience at Westminster Abbey. The Museum collection includes many such medals, as well as some of the more recent commemorative coins and memorabilia produced in celebration of the coronations of King Charles III and Queen Elizabeth II. We have been celebrating these medals, and the stories behind them, for the whole month. You can explore the collection in detail on our website: https://www.royalmintmuseum.org.uk/journal/curators-corner/crowned/medals/
Supporting the Royal Mint
This month the team have been extra busy supporting the Royal Mint with historical advice, giving talks, tours and interviews to a wide range of people. Approximately 600 school children have taken part in our workshops at the Royal Mint Experience exploring coin design and striking their own medieval coins. New staff from the Royal Mint’s latest venture recycling e-waste have been visiting to learn about the history of the organisation. Our Information and Research Manager, Chris Barker, was interviewed for Radio 4’s Moneybox programme and Museum Director, Kevin Clancy, gave a talk at Banqueting House.
