Rare 1936 Edward VIII Framed Coronation Sampler

Did you know Queen Elizabeth was never meant to be Queen of England?

Her father, King George VI, was actually second in line for the throne.  His older brother, Edward VIII was first in line to be the royal successor and became king in 1936. Edward was a glamorous bachelor expected to marry, have children, and pass the crown down his own family line. However, he secretly fell in love with Wallis Simpson, an American socialite who was twice-divorced, sparking a massive constitutional crisis. Since the Church of England forbade a king from marrying a divorcee, Edward made the ultimate sacrifice and abdicated the throne after just 326 days. This thrust his younger brother into power as King George VI, who reigned a short 15 years before his 25 year old daughter Elizabeth succeeded him as Queen.

This needlework sampler chronicles this brief and fascinating period of royal British history, as it dates from the 326-day long reign of Edward VIII, before he abdicated. It is likely quite rare, given this would be the only year in history this pattern was manufactured.

The sampler centers on Edward VIII’s royal cipher, surrounded by a large English rose and flanked by the Royal Standard and Union Jack. Four royal residences are worked into the design, including Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, along with period flags representing countries of the British Empire and Commonwealth. Figures from Britain’s armed services appear on the four corners of the sampler, and it is signed "Kathleen Cowling 1936"

The needlework remains in excellent condition with strong color and crisp detail. The vintage frame shows a few small nicks along the bottom and right side, consistent with age.

Measures approximately 13.5" x 10.5".

Sourced in England. Dated 1936.