Coronation and Procession of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra June 1902

Fold out panoramic view of the Coronation procession of Edward VII 1902. This cheaply produced Coronation souvenir sold for one penny is printed in colour chromolithography and folded between paper covers. The back cover is now missing but the front cover is printed in colour chromolithography with the title and portraits of the King and Queen in their coronation robes. The dimensions given refer to the panorama when fully extended. Such souvenirs were available in the weeks leading up to the Coronation although the panorama depicts the event as if it has already taken place with the King and Queen seen sitting in the coronation coach and the King being crowned at Westminster Abbey.
The panorama was one of five 'penny' Coronation souvenirs purchased by Ernest King from a street trader in Ludgate Hill on 23rd June 1902 three days before the planned Coronation. As anticipation of the Coronation grew in London and preparations such as street decorations and the arrival of visitors became more visible so street traders increased the variety and number of their cheap penny souvenirs to capitalise on the celebratory mood affecting Londoners. However, as the King was taken ill with appendicitis the day following the purchase of this souvenir his coronation was postponed until August.