Coronation Coat of Arms
A bespoke hand embroidered cushion, embellished solely using re-used plastic bottles, to celebrate 2023 - the year of a new coronation.
Time and energy embedded in materials are valuable resources that are wasted when plastic is thrown away.
I am focusing on intricate embroidery techniques and the design of symbolic artefacts to transform discarded plastic bottles and packaging. As I work towards a more localised and closed-loop system of making, provenance of the waste and product come together, and the output may ultimately be recycled.
Imagine a world where incoming plastic waste is routinely upcycled, elevated to the realms of tradition, prestige, and continuity. Emphasis here sits on how we choose to value the material, rather than how material taxonomy chooses us. These bespoke status symbols reflect our time now, and can be seen as an access point to unpacking the conversation about rethinking what we do.
The Royal Arms we see today have evolved over nine centuries. It is a national symbol, predominantly used to symbolise the monarch’s authority.
My updated version can be seen as an allegory to commemorate a historic occasion, which marks a new era; a time in which we focus on the fragility of our world. As it secretly slips into this coronation year, it gently hacks traditional Goldwork embroidery, and exaggerates paradoxes of value.
The main element of the Royal Arms is the shield, which is divided into four quarters (see diagram). The monarch's initials and crown jewels, symbolising the coronation year of a new king, occupy the first and fourth quarters, the universal recycling symbol in the second quarter, and our planet in the third. The lion and the unicorn supporting the shield represent England and Scotland respectively. Whilst lions represent royalty, nobility and strength, unicorns represent magic above all else. On that note, unicorns are also symbolic of innocence, wonder and joy. This sense of optimism sits at the heart of the design.
The left and right supporters stand on a small frame called the compartment, which incorporates the plant emblem of England (Tudor rose). The Compartment also has the maker's motto, in fabulae speramus ("In stories, we trust"). Narratives are important in helping us to connect to people, and comprehend the problems we pose and face. Around the shield is a belt and above the shield is the plastic barred helmet and St. Edward crown, topped with a plastic crowned lion.