Designing our Coronation Collection
Designing our Coronation Collection
DISCOVER THE STORY BEHIND THE EXTRAORDINARY ARTWORK
The Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III & Queen Camilla isn’t just the beginning of an era, and an historic moment in British history. It’s a time to celebrate the diversity and creativity in our communities, and the vibrant beauty of the natural world we share.
Inspired by the iconography of royal pageants and ceremonies through the centuries – and featuring a rich palette of regal colours, heraldic motifs, iconic typography, and a cast of gentle animals from the Commonwealth and beyond – we've captured that same spirit in the designs found across the Fortnum’s Coronation collection.
The aim from the outset was to create something extremely special – designs which people would want to cherish for decades, and which would serve as joyful reminders of this significant moment in British history.
And so, we worked with a trio of exceptionally talented British artists, to create bold and elegant designs that expertly blend modernity and tradition – at once informed by the rich provenance and symbolism of past royal celebrations, but always far more than mere imitations.
"The fine artists we chose are rooted in traditional techniques that date back to the medieval times," says Yvonne Isherwood, our Head of Product and Packaging Design. "They produce beautiful work that’s highly detailed, and that level of beauty was something we really wanted.
"I think people can look at the designs and just love it for the sheer beauty of it, or you can understand the story behind it. People look to us and expect that, and hopefully through this Coronation range, people will be able to celebrate in style."
Meet the three artists below and find out a little more about the extraordinary work they've created for Fortnum's, to mark this momentous occasion.
Jethro Buck, Fine Artist
A specialist in miniature painting, Jethro travelled to Jaipur, India, to learn the ancient, traditional techniques of Indian miniature painting, where hand-ground natural pigments are used to couple ornate details with emphatic colours. A graduate from the Prince's Foundation School of Traditional Arts in 2014, Jethro’s work is a joyous exploration of the natural world’s flora and fauna and a celebration of its beauty.
Of the myriad designs Jethro has created for our Coronation Collection, perhaps the stand-out piece is Jethro's incredibly beautiful peacock: a labour of love, rich in scope, detail and colour. A centuries-old symbol of royalty and nobility, the peacock's feathers cascade not just around the body of our Coronation Musical Biscuit Tin, but cover the entirety of the tin's lid, too. “[Creating these works] was a very co-operative process," he says. "And I hope it just contributes to a celebratory atmosphere.”
With plumage like that, how could it not?
Lucy Morrish, Fine Artist
It was the rich traditions and Arthurian Legends of Medieval Europe that cemented Lucy’s love for Icon painting and illuminated manuscripts. Painting with hand-made watercolour mineral and earth pigments on calfskin vellum and egg tempera on gessoed wooden panels, Lucy also specialises in traditional gilding techniques using 24 carat gold leaf.
Among the brood of magical beasts Lucy has created for Fortnum's are the Imperial Egrets which grace (in both senses of the word) our Coronation Organic Darjeeling Tin, and the noble White Hart which can be spotted throughout our Coronation Collection. At once modern and timeless, powerful and ethereal, precise and vibrant, Lucy's work is certain to elevate our Coronation creations to the level of treasured keepsakes, for generations to come.
“The White Hart is my favourite," says Lucy, "because it’s embedded in my own work, and it’s a part of this occasion. It's an honour to be a part of this special moment in time."
Timothy Noad, Calligrapher & Heraldic Artist
A calligrapher, illuminator, heraldic artist and Scribe to HM Crown Office, Timothy was the perfect choice to create our Coronation typography. With an international reputation for elegant and meticulous work, made using both traditional and modern techniques, Timothy's deep understanding of heraldry and symbolism shines through in his designs.
Timothy created the calligraphy which announces the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III & Queen Camilla, and he was also responsible for the beautiful crown that adorns many of our Coronation products: perhaps most notably, on the neck label of our celebration-ready English Sparkling Wine. "I'm very proud to have my work being included in the Coronation Collection," he said. "And it's [been] lovely to collaborate with other artists as well.”
