Council unveils Coronation Robe made with help from local schools

Angela commented, “My aim with this Coronation robe was to create a piece that reflected the link between local communities and the Crown. Sourcing high quality materials, I have developed a design that has all the presence, language and symbolism associated with a royal Coronation robe but also tells the story of the Borough - the Linen Mill, the schools and the local environment.”

The robe consists of three distinct pieces: the robe body and front linen drapes, the circular cape and the long shoulder drape. 32m of fabric was used in the construction of the robe. The main fabric is velvet in rich royal red and royal navy blue, while the robe body is lined with a royal blue satin and the long drape is lined with fine white silk habitai. A metre of fine white Irish linen was used for the front drapes, lined with fine white silk habitai.

The robe also incorporates some of the flowers of the Borough including the flax flower, tulip, forget-me-not, rose, bluebell and cherry blossom. The flax flower links to the making of linen which the Borough is renowned for and it has been given special significance in its use along the top of the shoulder drape as well as being placed at either side of the Coronation logo itself. The flowers of the Borough and the Coronation logo were both digitally embroidered by Jennie Hughes of So&Sew Crafts.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross commented, “I am delighted to see the finished robe which highlights the hard work and intricate details beautifully crafted by the designer, Angela Turkington. We are grateful to Angela and the 22 schools who contributed to this special robe which will serve as a reminder of the Coronation celebrations intertwined with the cherished heritage of our Borough.”

The 22 primary schools who contributed to the robe are:

• Ballyclare Primary School
• Ballyhenry Primary School
• Ballynure Primary School
• Carnmoney Primary School
• Crumlin Integrated Primary School
• Doagh Primary School
• Fairview Primary School
• Glengormley Integrated Primary School
• Hollybank Primary School
• Kilbride Central Primary School
• King’s Park Primary Schoo
• Loanends Primary School
• Parkhall Primary School
• Round Tower Integrated Primary School
• Six Mile Integrated Primary School
• Straid Primary School
• The Thompson Primary School
• Whiteabbey Primary School
• Rathcoole Primary School
• Creavery Primary School
• Mossgrove Primary School
• Whitehouse Primary School

The robe will be on display at Mossley Mill and other civic buildings, before touring the schools which helped create it.