Fores' Correct Representation of the State Procession on the Occasion of the August Ceremony of Her Majesty's Coronation, June 28th, 1838: Also Accurate Views of the Interior of the Abbey During the Ceremony

Queen Victoria's Coronation Procession in Scarce Panorama
One of the Earliest Examples of Royal Memorabilia
A Near Fine Example

[PANORAMA]. [VICTORIA, Queen of England, 1819-1901]. Fores' Correct Representation of the State Procession on the Occasion of the August Ceremony of Her Majesty's Coronation, June 28th, 1838. Sixty Feet Long. Price £1. 11s. 6d Colored, 16s Plain. Also Accurate Views of the Interior of the Abbey During the Ceremony. London: Published by Messrs. Fores, at their Sporting & Fine Print Repository and Frame Manufactory, [August 20, 1838].

First and only edition and issue. Small oblong quarto (cover size: 4 7/8 x 8 inches; 123 x 203 mm.). Thirty-three hand-colored sections in a continuous strip (4 x 675 inches; 103 x 17,145 mm; of full procession scene in aquatint. An exceptional example with just a few of the folding illustrations expertly strengthened on verso (at crease).

Publishers pink ribbed cloth, covers bordered in blind, front cover decoratively stamped and lettered in gilt with a border of crowns and flowers. expertly rebacked to style, complete with the original brass clasp and catch. An excellent example.

Only one other copy (in 1997) of this scarce and splendid keepsake panorama has come to auction since 1970.

On June 20, 1837, King William IV died and his niece, Princess Victoria, became Queen at the age of 18. Her coronation was held at Westminster Abbey a year later on June 28, 1838; this panorama illustrates her procession to Westminster. The coronation was a huge occasion for celebration and four hundred thousand visitors descended upon London to see the new Queen being crowned.

In her diary the nineteen-year-old Victoria set down an account of this, the greatest day in her young life:

"I was awoke at four o'clock by the guns in the Park and could not get much sleep afterwards on account of the noise of the people, bands, etc., etc. Got up at seven, feeling strong and well; the Park presented a curious spectacle, crowds of people up to Constitution Hill, soldiers, bands, etc. I dressed, having taken a little breakfast before I dressed, and a little after. At half-past nine I went into the next room, dressed exactly in my House of Lords costume..."

"At 10 I got into the State Coach with the Duchess of Sutherland and Lord Albemarle and we began our progress... It was a fine day, and the crowds of people exceeded what I have ever seen; Their good humour and excessive loyalty was beyond everything, and I really cannot say how proud I feel to be the Queen of such a nation...

"... [After the ceremony] At about half-past four I re-entered my carriage, the Crown on my head and the Sceptre and Orb in my hands, and we proceeded the same way as we came-the crowds if possible having increased. The enthusiasm, affection, and loyalty were really touching, and I shall ever remember this day as the PROUDEST of my life! I came home a little after six, really not feeling tired. At eight we dined..."

"On the day of Queen Victoria's coronation, four hundred thousand visitors descended on London to see the new queen. Fores publishing house had been established in the 1780s by Samuel William Fore (1761-1838) with his shop in Piccadilly London. It specialized in caricature and memorabilia and was at one time reputed to have the largest collection of caricatures." (Bobins).

Abbey, Life 539; Bobins IV, 1303.