Royal Robe Finishes Tour of 22 Local Schools

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has commissioned a bespoke robe specially designed and created for the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty the Queen Camilla. 22 primary schools created colourful eight inch squares which were included in the robe designed by Angela Turkington, a local textile artist with vast experience in costume design.

The Coronation Robe made its final stop after 12 months of traveling around 22 schools in Fairview Primary School Ballyclare (pictured).

Artist and designer Angela Turkington who spent a total of 130 hours of work on the robe commented, “My aim with this commission with this royal Coronation Robe was to create a piece that reflected the link with community to 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 locale - the Linen Mill, the schools and the local flora and fauna.”

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 choice of colours reflect both those associated with typical Coronation robes and the Royal family and King Charles III’ personal link with the military and armed forces.

The colours also reflect the flowers of the Borough which include the flax flower, tulip, forget-me-not, rose, bluebell and cherry blossom. The flax flower links to the flax and 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, Councillor Neil Kelly commented, “I am honoured to share the last stop on this 12 month journey of The Coronation Robe. This special robe will always be a reminder of the Coronation celebrations intertwined with the cherished heritage of our Borough and I must highlight 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.”

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 School

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

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