Kermit the Frog, a goat with silver horns, and the 69-foot-long celestial icon take centerstage in an innovative, boundary-pushing display, making headlines in an unprecedented exhibition.
In a lively show titled "Happy & Glorious," The National Archives in Kew presents a series of artworks capturing the spirit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla's coronation. One such work is Leslie Thompson's vibrant piece, "Crowd of People and the Different People," which forms part of this striking exhibition.
Thompson's iconic, pop-art inspired vignettes, on display alongside his colorful map of people past and present, watching the coronation, also include amusing scenes of animals from the London Zoo partaking in the ceremony and a poignant tribute to his late mother.
The artist's work plays an essential role in this diverse collection, highlighting various interpretations of the event and the collective and personal experiences that surround significant national moments.
In a shift from Thompson's earlier medium, this commission moves into the realm of photography. Vanley Burghe, a Birmingham-based artist, uses the lens to capture the coronation's impact on people deeply affected by the Windrush scandal. Burghe's striking images juxtapose the resilience and dignity of communities that have faced adversity, serving as a powerful reflection of contemporary British society.
Photography isn't the only medium represented in the artworks on display. Cornelia Parker's embroidered diptych and Hew Locke's multimedia Flag explore unique interpretations of kingship and queenship, redefining traditional notions of power. Textiles also feature prominently in Locke's extraordinary Flag, a powerful commentary on the Windrush return.
The star of the show, however, is a 21-meter coronation roll, hand-written by calligrapher Stephanie Gill and decorated by artist Tim Noad. This document, which the King opted for over parchment for environmental reasons, serves as a legal record of the coronation, detailing everything from the proclamation of the new monarch to the list of attendees and a narrative account of the ceremony.
This remarkable showcase of artworks offers a captivating and diverse look at the coronation, encapsulating the emotions, dreams, and challenges faced by the people of Britain during this historic event. Whether you're a connoisseur of arts or a history enthusiast, "Happy & Glorious" promises an unforgettable experience, rich in storytelling, emotion, and contemporary reflection.
Carla Passino, our very own Italian editor with an affinity for English weather and Puccini's opera tunes, provides valuable insights on this remarkable exhibition. In her Carnaval-esque journey through the vibrant world of the arts and antiques scene, she is eager to uncover hidden stories, ignite debates, and offer a unique perspective on the richness and diversity of British culture. Don't miss her thoughtful commentaries and striking observations on this fascinating exhibition.
The diverse collection, including Leslie Thompson's animated pieces, Vanley Burghe's powerful photography, Cornelia Parker's embroidered diptych, Hew Locke's multimedia Flag, and Tim Noad's decorative coronation roll, offers an entertaining exploration of various interpretations of the coronation and the collective and personal experiences it evoked.
For those with a keen interest in history or the arts, "Happy & Glorious" presents a captivating and unique entertainment experience, offering profound storytelling, emotional depth, and contemporary reflections on British culture.
