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The Dazzling Jewelry Collection of Her Majesty the Queen with Vivienne Haxby

The Dazzling Jewelry Collection of Her Majesty the Queen with Vivienne Haxby


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Welcome to the Queen’s jewelry collection, probably the most important private jewelry collection in the world...Quite separate from the Crown Jewels, the personal jewelry are the items that have been privately collected by two Queens Regnant, and four Queens Consort.

This conversation will tell us about the jewelry - the tiaras, the necklaces, brooches, earrings, and bracelets - that the Queen wears on a daily basis to carry out her role as Sovereign. We will hear how the various pieces came into the Collection, and how they have been adapted over the generations. Although the diamond is the stone most closely associated with Royalty, the Queen also regularly wears sapphire, rubies, emeralds, and pearls. We will learn how Queen Victoria had to deal with the loss of much of her jewelry to Hanover, how Queen Alexandra was a major fashion influencer, and how Queen Mary cataloged the Collection and did much to preserve it for future generations. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was the surprise recipient of an enormous bequest..... And we’ll learn how our Queen received many gifts from her father, George VI, as a young girl and has continued to enlarge and adapt the collection throughout her reign.

Much thought and consideration are given to every piece she wears - we will hear about the role of Angela Kelly (the Queen’s Dresser and Keeper of the Personal Jewellery) and how recently Princess Beatrice was lent a tiara by her Grandmother for her wedding. Led by an expert in royal history Vivienne Haxby, we finish up by learning about high-profile loans to other members of the Queen’s family including Kate, Camilla, and Sophie. This seminar offers an in-depth examination and goes beyond just the sparkling collection of Her Majesty the Queen.

Viv has a degree in English Language and Medieval Literature from Durham University. She spends part of each year in France, but for the past 25 years London has been home. She enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for London's C18 and C19 history and her detailed knowledge of the city's royal connections. She has a particular interest in the great aristocratic landholdings of London, and has created walks around the 'villages' of London such as Chelsea, Bloomsbury and Spitalfields. Viv also works as a volunteer marshal, or 'Green Gown' at Westminster Abbey.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 11 reviews
82%
(9)
18%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
B
B.G. (Briarcliff Manor, US)
Wonderful look at jewelry we otherwise cannot see

Ms. Haxby's knowledge and enthusiasm made this a very enjoyable lecture. I really enjoyed hearing about the various queens and their personalities and how they each wore the pieces of jewelry.

J
J.E. (Frankfurt am Main, DE)
Excellent Presentation

Very interesting. Lots of details provided.

T
Terry (New York, US)

I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this Conversation! Vivienne was smart, delightful and very knowledgeable, and it was wonderful to hear all the stories about the jewelry.

K
Katherine (New York, US)
Fascinating look at queens collection

Fascinating tour through the queens personal collection- I learned so much

K
Kathleen McLaughlin (Miami, US)
Lovely Lecture

I thoroughly enjoyed Vivienne Haxby’s presentation of The Queen’s Jewels. Vivienne was enthusiastic and knowledgeable of her subject matter. Thank you for providing such beautifully organized and presented programs.

Customer Reviews

Based on 11 reviews
82%
(9)
18%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
B
B.G. (Briarcliff Manor, US)
Wonderful look at jewelry we otherwise cannot see

Ms. Haxby's knowledge and enthusiasm made this a very enjoyable lecture. I really enjoyed hearing about the various queens and their personalities and how they each wore the pieces of jewelry.

J
J.E. (Frankfurt am Main, DE)
Excellent Presentation

Very interesting. Lots of details provided.

T
Terry (New York, US)

I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this Conversation! Vivienne was smart, delightful and very knowledgeable, and it was wonderful to hear all the stories about the jewelry.

K
Katherine (New York, US)
Fascinating look at queens collection

Fascinating tour through the queens personal collection- I learned so much

K
Kathleen McLaughlin (Miami, US)
Lovely Lecture

I thoroughly enjoyed Vivienne Haxby’s presentation of The Queen’s Jewels. Vivienne was enthusiastic and knowledgeable of her subject matter. Thank you for providing such beautifully organized and presented programs.