We had the great delight of being part of history by gilding the bronze eagles that form part of King Charles’ anointing screen for the Coronation at Westminster Abbey on the 6th May 2023. The entire screen has been a collective effort of many skills and crafts. Our special thanks go to Tim Royall (of Tim Royall Memorial Arts) for letting us gild his exquisite bronze work.
Each eagle sits upon a pole framework either side of the screen. The screen is a newly commissioned item for the Coronation and the King wanted to convey a message within the design of the screen rather than it just serve as a decorative object. It has also been made with a view to it being used on more than one occasion. The screen is three sided and provides complete privacy whilst the anointing is taking place. The anointing is the most sacred part of the ceremony and takes place before the investiture and crowning of the monarch. The eagles are in reference to the eagles that embroidered the anointing canopy in the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. There have been 39 Coronations at Westminster Abbey to date, the first being recorded more than 1000 years ago when William I was crowned.
Both eagles were prepared and made ready for oil gilding with additional toning. The objective was let the gold shine through and tone down as and where necessary to highlight and compliment the design. In this case we paid close attention to the feet, eyes and wings whilst toning by creating light and shade.
Scroll down for photographs of the work.
The above images show the bronze eagles prior to any preparation or gilding work.
Below shows the finished work with applied toning.
