We were very excited to find out about the new exhibition, ‘Royal Style in the Making’, opening at Kensington Palace on 3 June.  The display will feature never-before-seen items from the archives of The Royal Collection and explore the unique relationship between fashion designer and royal client. Among the star items on display will be a rare surviving toile for the 1937 coronation gown of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother; consort of King George VI. The final Goldwork on the gown was embroidered by the Royal School of Needlework.

The toile, created by designer Madame Handley-Seymour, is an extraordinary full-size working pattern of the completed gown.  It features the stunning hand-painted design for the embroidery and the emblems of the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.  If you are able to visit the exhibition, see if you recognise the image behind the exhibit as this was taken recently in our Embroidery Studio at Hampton Court Palace!

The RSN also embroidered the Queen Mother’s Robe of State using Goldwork. The design for the robe mirrored the theme of the gown and featured all the flowers from the Commonwealth countries, including South Africa protea and Indian lotus flower. The Robe however will not be on display at this exhibition.

Another wonderful piece on display in the exhibition will be Diana, Princess of Wales’s wedding dress. The dress features a fitted bodice overlaid at the centre both front and back with panels of antique Carrickmacross lace that had originally belonged to Queen Mary, the groom’s great-grandmother.  An interesting fact, is that the Royal School of Needlework is connected to this wedding dress as we supplied this lace!

The exhibition will offer a wonderful insight into the world of the royal atelier.  From the symbolic power of a coronation gown to the romance of a royal wedding dress, it is an exhibition that we can’t wait to visit!

For more information on the exhibition and to book tickets, visit their website.

Images featured are copyright of Historic Royal Palaces.