Celebrating TheCoronationKing’s

His Majesty King Charles III’s Coronation on 6 May has afforded both gift retailers and gift suppliers a historic, spectacular special occasion to celebrate and be a part of history, with a myriad of companies bringing out Coronation collections, and Royalists – domestic and internationaleager for keepsake memorabilia. PG&H took a peek at who is doing what?

The King’s Coronation is being trumpeted as a three-day spectacle, kicking off with two grand processions on Saturday May 6, followed by a star-studded concert at Windsor Castle on Sunday May 7.

As excitement builds, so does the desire to mark the occasion in some way. Many towns and cities will be holding street parties, people will be making their way into London in their hundreds and thousands, while others will watch the spectacle unfold on TV.

Keepsake mementos are sure to be in huge demand, with a myriad of gift suppliers bringing out collections to mark the event. “We did really well with our Jubilee collection last year and so were very confident in going big for the Coronation,” confirms Jo Jeffery, senior brand manager at B Corp accredited Talking Tables. “The collection has some playful touches, including an over-sized crown honeycomb and carriage treat stand, along with cake toppers featuring King’s Guards, the Royal carriage and His Majesty. And, of course, given how sustainably minded King Charles III is, the Coronation collection is totally plastic-free and recyclable or reusable.” Adds Jo: “Talking Tables is all about gatherings, and we’ll be supporting community street parties and sending party kits out to press and influencers, as well as hosting celebrations at our HQ.”

Widdop & Co meanwhile, is marking King Charles’ Coronation with a regal range of commemorative items from the company’s Now or Never Studios. “This quintessentially British selection of decorative keepsakes showcases our new monarch and his official logo,” says Widdop’s product designer Amy Johnson.

“The inspiration behind the collection of designs was to offer something for everyone. We started with three categories - traditional, colourful and Union Jack - to appeal across all target markets,” Amy explains.

“The final choice of 48 products showcases UV printing, engraving and sublimation, with the majority being finished in-house at our Manchester head office.”

The collection features teddy bears, trinket boxes, vintage tea towels and crown door knockers, “but people can also add candles, mugs, plates, jigsaws, and photo frames to mark this historic occasion,” says Amy.

Wrendale Designs launched its Coronation gift collection to trade customers in February, with founder and creative supremo Hannah Dale confirming, “the feedback has been wonderful.” Her brand new, unique watercolour design depicts King Charles and one of his rescue Jack Russell terriers sitting among his favourite flower, the delphinium, with paintbrushes to hand.

Above: The Wrendale coronation mug and Coronation tea blend.

Right: A spread of Coronation keepsake items from Victoria Eggs.

Below: Commemorative Coronation giftware from Widdop & Co’s Now or Never Studios.

In true Wrendale style, and capturing King Charles’ charm and character, the collection includes a framed print, an illustrated tea towel, an illustrated mug featuring the date of the Coronation printed

He Who Wears The Crown

As the country celebrates the crowning of a new King this May, Lesser & Pavey will be capturing a poignant image from the day on a new range of fine tabletop items and giftware.

“This is probably a once in a lifetime event marking this momentous occasion,” says the company’s managing director Julian Hunt. “Our in-house design team have been working on a new range of fine china and gift items to mark the occasion, which will feature a distinguished head and shoulder image of the King being crowned. The range will have a bold royal border colour, fitting for such a prestigious occasion, surrounding an image of King Charles III, with the range released immediately after the ceremony,” confirms Julian.

on the inner rim, and a magnetic shopping pad for lists and notes. There has also been a special collaboration with a local company, The Lincoln Tea and Coffee Co, which has developed a Coronation Blend of tea in packaging that features the Wrendale design, tying in with the Coronation mug.

In addition, British designer Victoria Eggs, founder of her eponymous company, has launched a collection of King Charles III homewares, which includes bunting, tea towels, tote bags, mugs and magnets. “The design includes the national flowers from the UK, along with oak, a symbol of strength and stability, and ivy, a symbol of commitment, which trails through the design,” explains Victoria. Nods to the King’s life are also hidden among the wildlife and foliage to include the eagle, swords, parachute, pens and paintbrushes, as well as an anchor representing the British Armed Forces.

Peter Smith, sales director at Dunoon, highlights that the company wanted to celebrate the Coronation in a very opulent manner, while keeping its commemorative mug design classic and sophisticated.

“The design, by David Broadhurst, consists of a rich gold silhouette of the crowned King on both the front and the back of the fine bone china mug - which is made in Staffordshire - with a partially coloured background in regal purple, elegantly laced with rich 22 carat two tone gold detailing,” he explains.

Also bringing out two fine bone china mug designs for the King’s Coronation is CD Heritage. “They are being made at our factory in Stoke-OnTrent, a city that is proud to have a long history in producing fine bone china for the Royal Collections,” points out Paul. A traditional design, sold direct by CD

Heritage, shows a classic design featuring the Union Jack and the official Coronation crown, with the company also producing a special bespoke version for Ballard Home created by artist Susan Leigh.

At Elgate, the company has unveiled 20 lines ranging from fridge magnets and keyrings to gold plated plates and plush. “We are very excited about this collection following the success we had with our Queen’s Platinum Jubilee range last year,” says sales director Guy Askew.

On the soft furnishings front, designer Jan Constantine has unveiled a commemorate Coronation collection that features hand-embroidered cushions made from pure wool, as well as bunting and pennants featuring the King’s insignia. “The collection is not only for people who will be celebrating on May 6 but for those who want something commemorative to pass down to the next generation,” points out Jan.

For gift retailers making the most of the Coronation this year, it’s all to play for.

And For Something Different...

As well as the more traditional Coronation merchandise, other companies are putting a more quirky twist on the Coronation theme.

“As duck creators for over 40 years, King Charles was a natural addition to our extensive range of ducks,” says Michael Grant, managing director of Yarto Europe. “In honour of our King’s upcoming Coronation, our Charles duck is beautifully dressed in his Coronation regalia, crown in hand, ready for the occasion. We have had great interest from top museums and heritage sites in stocking him at their retail sites and feel sure he will fly off the shelves!”

At Boxer Gifts and Boxer Books, managing director Thomas O’Brien highlights a commemorative King Charles book. “Here at Boxer, we - along with the rest of the countryare so excited about the King’s Coronation, and what better way to celebrate this historic day than by getting to know King Charles better with Pocket King Charles Wisdom which comes with free POS,” comments Thomas. “Filled with fun, inspirational quotes and wise words from King Charles, soon he won’t only be our new King, but a source of wit too!”

1: A Day To Remember

Fly the flag for Britain and the King’s Coronation with art-inspired home and giftware by Ballard Home. Artist and founder, Sue Ballard Leigh, creates all the unique and quirky designs from her studio in Lancashire. Encompassing British manufacturing and style. Contact us today for further information, to place an order for immediate delivery or to discuss commissions.

Ballard Home

T: 07769 619939

E: salews@ballardhome.co.uk

W: www.ballardhome.co.uk

2: Crown Jewels

Fit for a King! When it comes to brooches, Hot Tomato has some truly wonderful, vintageinspired designs and historically, it has always stocked a crown or two. This year has seen a high demand for all things royal and these super sparkly crown pins and brooches are no exception. Don’t just limit them to lapels – go hats, bags and scarves, too.

Hot Tomato

T: 01225 422188

E: sales@hot-tom.com

W: www.hot-tom.com

3: Luxury Commemorative Collection

Jan Constantine is thrilled to launch its commemorative collection of luxury home textiles to celebrate the upcoming Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. The beautiful wool cushions, bunting and other memorabilia are appliquéd and hand-embroidered with the King’s insignia and other royal motifs onto deep navy blue or soft blue. Hand-made by our very talented artisans, keeping alive skills passed down through generations, these pieces are destined to become heirlooms of the future.

Jan Constantine

T: 01270 821194

E: info@janconstantine.com

W: www.janconstantine.com

4: Crowning Glory

Walking stick specialist Classic Canes has designed a special cane perfect for the forthcoming coronation of our new king. Named ‘Crowning Glory’, it features golden crowns with red, white and blue hearts and flowers. It is height-adjustable from 76 to 101cm, making it suitable for a wide range of users and ideal as a gift. Designed in-house, it is exclusive to Classic Canes and is the latest model from the family company’s 500-strong range of traditional and contemporary walking sticks.

Classic Canes

T: 01460 75686

E: info@classiccanes.co.uk

W: www.classiccanes.co.uk

5: Celebrate In Style

To commemorate the coronation of King Charles III, Crumble and Core has created a colourful range of boxed earring cards, boxed candle and cards and greeting cards. It has embellished the Coronation crown with special Sterling Silver Crystal earrings, fit for a King. Crumble and Core

T: 01825 841412

E: crumbleandcore@gmail.com

W: www.crumbleandcore.com

6: Regal Coloured Gifts

Tilnar Art has created a range of purple and gold products to mark the coronation - with both hues being a regal nod to the historic occasion. Each of the products is not only recycled, but also completely recyclable, making the perfect eco-friendly gift.

Tilnar Art

Visit: Glee – NEC 27-29 June 2023 - Hall 6

Stand A47

T: 01277 297259

E: sales@tilnarart.co.uk

W: www.tilnarart.co.uk