Anointing Screen on display at the Abbey

Sunday, 7th May 2023

The central anointing screen used at the most sacred moment of the Coronation, the anointing of His Majesty The King, will be on display in Westminster Abbey in St George’s Chapel from Monday 8th May – Saturday 13th May, when the Coronation Theatre will also be on view.

Design

The design takes the form of a tree which includes 56 leaves representing the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth. The King’s cypher is positioned at the base of the tree, representing the Sovereign as servant of their people.

It was designed by iconographer Aidan Hart and embroidered by staff and students from the Royal School of Needlework, as well as members of the Worshipful Company of Broderers, Drapers and Weavers.

The screen is supported by a wooden pole framework, designed and created by Nick Gutfreund of the Worshipful Company of Carpenters.

At the top of the wooden poles are mounted two eagles, cast in bronze and gilded in gold leaf. The form of an eagle has longstanding associations with Coronations. Eagles have appeared on previous Coronation Canopies, including the canopy used by Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

The screen was gifted for the Coronation by the City of London Corporation and participating Livery Companies, the City’s ancient and modern trade guilds.

Visiting

We anticipate being very busy with visitors this coming week so please book your tickets in advance of visiting.

We are already sold out for Monday, and we are unable to guarantee entry for anyone without a pre-booked ticket. There is better availability from Tuesday onwards.

There may be up to 30-minute wait times whilst going through security checks.