London, 13 May 2023 – A group of respected artists from the UK and abroad have been chosen to create artworks that reflect on the Coronation. This commission was initiated by the Government Art Collection to capture personal and community responses to this historic event.
The artists, including Cornelia Parker, Hew Locke, and Dale Lewis, will use different mediums like paint, pencil, photography, and mixed media to express their unique perspectives on this important moment in British history.
During the Coronation weekend, these artists were stationed in various locations across the UK, including England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. They were also present in New York City. Their goal is to commemorate the events and offer diverse artistic interpretations. For example, Cornelia Parker, Hew Locke, and Dale Lewis were in London, while Joy Gerrard observed the crowds in both London and Belfast.
Other artists focused on capturing the excitement of the events in different regions. Leslie Thompson documented the celebrations in central Manchester, while Mohamed Hassan photographed neighborhood events in Cardiff, Swansea, and other locations in South Wales. In Scotland, Sophie Gerrard captured the occasion in rural communities near the Balmoral Castle royal estate. Vanley Burke recorded the celebrations within communities in Birmingham. Additionally, the British-born artist based in the US, Shantell Martin, created a live artwork during a Coronation event in New York City.
Culture Secretary Lucy Frazer shared her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The Coronation was an extraordinary event that will be remembered by all who witnessed it. It celebrated the talent of British artists, and it is only fitting that we utilize this talent to capture and commemorate these special moments. These incredible artists will capture the joyous spirit of our history and provide unique perspectives from different locations across the UK and around the world. Once completed, the artworks will be exhibited for everyone to enjoy and will serve as an artistic tribute to the event.”
This commission takes inspiration from a similar project carried out during the 1953 Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Notable artists of that time, such as L.S. Lowry and Dame Laura Knight, contributed to the project.
The 2023 commissions aim to revitalize this tradition by engaging artists working in different mediums from various parts of the UK. The artworks will reflect the nation’s response to this historic moment. The completed artworks will be publicly displayed in the coming months, providing an opportunity for art enthusiasts to appreciate and commemorate this significant event.