The Queen Mother's Coronation Toile
Explore the intricate design details that went into making a dress fit for a queen
Toile for Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother's coronation dress (1937) by Madame Handley-SeymourHistoric Royal Palaces
This toile is the prototype for the dress worn by Queen Elizabeth (later The Queen Mother) to her husband, George VI’s coronation in 1937.
Toile, back, for Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother's coronation dress (1937) by Madame Handley-SeymourHistoric Royal Palaces
A toile is a practice dress that the designer and dress makers use to ensure a perfect fit and design.
Toile for Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother's coronation dress (1937) by Madame Handley-SeymourHistoric Royal Palaces
The dress is made of calico fabric, a preferred fabric for dressmaking preparation .
Red threads show where alteration was required. You can see these threads on the front of this toile.
Toile for Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother's coronation dress (1937) by Madame Handley-SeymourHistoric Royal Palaces
And more red threads on the side below the arm hole.
Toile, back, for Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother's coronation dress (1937) by Madame Handley-SeymourHistoric Royal Palaces
The decoration of the dress has been sketched on in pencil, and painted in gold paint so the designer can ensure that every placement enhances the shape, drape and flow of the dress.
Large circles of fabric painted and stitched on over the design show where the design has been changed. Underneath these circles are smaller versions of the rose design.
Toile, back, for Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother's coronation dress (1937) by Madame Handley-SeymourHistoric Royal Palaces
The rose represents England. The thistle represents Scotland. A shamrock represents Ireland. A leek represents Wales.
The nations of the Commonwealth are also included in the coronation dress design. Can you find them all? Click here to have a closer look at the image.
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