Four sheets from the Coronation George IV, c1823
23" x 27"
Three illustrated sheets and cover page and back page

Printed in London by John Whittaker
Gold letterpress, stipple engraving with etching and aquatint, and hand-coloring

These sheets were produced in the context of an equally splendid public event, George IV's coronation on 19 July 1821. Since his estranged wife, Caroline of Brunswick, was held in considerable public sympathy after George IV's attempts to divorce her, a lavish spectacle was needed to rekindle the public's loyalty towards him. Parliament voted the astonishing sum of 240,000 pounds towards the cost of the ceremony (George III's coronation had only cost 70,000 pounds). The extravagant costumes for the procession were designed to an Elizabethan and Jacobean theme, to recall England's past heritage. Whittaker's publication was printed in gold throughout, by a technique developed in secret and first used in 1816. The vibrant hand-colored illustrations below the text help to give a flavor of the procession, though not its strict order. (source: rct.uk)

Good condition overall; discoloration, particularly around the edges. Foxing on some pages. Second page appears to be cropped/is missing the top of the gold foil feather.