Costume worn at George IV’s coronation in 1821, £1600 at Mellors & Kirk.
The coronation was one of most extravagant and costly coronations in English history – more than 20 times the cost of the previous event in 1761. Peers of all ages were required to appear in Westminster Abbey in a ‘Tudor Romantic’ themed ivory silk and silver gilt-braided costume.
This example, offered at Mellors & Kirk (28.8% buyer’s premium inc VAT) on April 19, was made for Henry Nevill, 2nd Earl of Abergavenny (1755-1843), and was inherited through the Nevill family to the current vendor at the three-day auction.
At the sight of the glittering costume of the peers in Westminster Abbey, Sir Walter Scott is reported to have described the scene as “gay and gorgeous and antique dress which floated before the eye”.
Nevill’s costume sold for £1600.
