Emmaus is honoured to be one of four charities chosen to benefit from the historic auction of six pairs of Coronation Chairs.
The Chairs will be auctioned by world-renowned auction house, Christie’s, with the sale raising funds for four charities chosen by Their Majesties: Emmaus UK, SafeLives, The Prince’s Trust and The Prince’s Foundation.
Specially commissioned by Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the Coronation Chairs seated members of the Royal Family and dignitaries on the occasion of the Coronation.
The upcoming auction of the Chairs will take place globally in The Collector, live online for browsing from 13 October, with the sales series closing on 3 November 2023. The proceeds from the sales of the Chairs will be divided equally between the four charities.
Funds will help people rebuilding their lives after homelessness
The funds raised through the sale will support people across the UK who are rebuilding their lives after homelessness. There are currently 30 Emmaus communities supporting people who have experienced homelessness by giving them a home, meaningful work in a social enterprise, and an opportunity to regain lost self-esteem to help rebuild their lives.
Charlotte Talbott, Emmaus UK CEO, said: “We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to be part of this historic auction, which will provide vital support for our homelessness charity. The funds will enable us to enhance our initiatives, making a significant difference in the lives of those we support. We sincerely thank Her Majesty The Queen for her unwavering support throughout the years.”
Her Majesty The Queen has supported Emmaus since 2006. She has visited a number of Emmaus communities across the UK to meet companions and staff. Emmaus is grateful for the ongoing support we have received from Her Majesty.
Part of historic tradition
Designed and Created by the Rugby-based cabinetmaker N.E.J. Stevenson, in collaboration with The Snowdon School of Furniture, one hundred Coronation Chairs were made using sustainably-sourced British oak. Highlighting the significance and art of the craftspeople involved, many of the frames were made by six young graduates from The Snowdon School of Furniture.
The Upholstery of the 100 chairs was completed by the Royal Household Upholstery team in their workshops at Frogmore. These Chairs follow the long-held tradition of seats designed for each ceremony throughout the 20th-century.
The Coronation Chairs made for the 1902 Coronation of Edward VII show the influence of the Arts and Crafts movement. In 1911, for the Coronation of the George V, the Chairs were typically Edwardian with leather upholstery and in 1937, the Royal Cypher was embroidered into the backs against velvet for the Coronation of George VI. In 1953 for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the design was very similar to that used for her father, King George VI, once again featuring the Royal Cypher set against royal blue velvet.
The Collector is Christie’s international online platform for Decorative Arts, occurring twice yearly in London, New York and Paris. Two pairs of chairs will be offered in London, New York and Paris on consecutive days in The Collector (estimate per pair: London £2,000-4,000; New York $3,000-5,000; Paris €2,000-4,000).
After The Collector sales have taken place, additional Coronation Chairs will be offered via private sale, orchestrated by Christie’s, also to raise funds for the named charities.