In celebration of the second anniversary of Their Majesties’ Coronation, a collection of artwork commissioned by His Majesty has been revealed for the first time. The series captures some of the most significant and symbolic moments of the historic weekend in May 2023, with each piece offering a unique artistic perspective.
‘The Investiture’ – Eileen Hogan. (Royal Family)
As part of the Coronation celebrations, His Majesty invited five artists – four of them alumni of the Royal Drawing School – to sketch, paint, and draw scenes from the weekend’s proceedings. This act continues a long-standing royal tradition of commissioning artists to document ceremonial milestones and reflects both The King and Queen’s enduring appreciation for the arts and creative industries.
‘The Queen’ – by Eileen Hogan. (Royal Family)
The selected artists were each positioned at key locations to witness and interpret the events firsthand. Fraser Scarfe, who studied at the Royal Drawing School between 2012 and 2013 and now serves as its Head of Education Delivery, was stationed outside Buckingham Palace. Scarfe’s most significant piece focuses on the moment when Their Majesties stepped onto the palace balcony to greet thousands of flag-waving spectators. “The joy of the people; the mass of people waving flags; and coming through to cheer and celebrate was such a special moment,” he said. “That’s really the moment I felt I should focus my largest work on.”
Adding a contemporary dimension to his royal commissions, Mr. Scarfe also joined Their Majesties on their State Visit to Italy, becoming the first official royal tour artist to document such an event using both an iPad and traditional techniques—a modern evolution of royal artistry.
‘The Coronation Concert’ – Shana Lohery. (Royal Family_
Gideon Summerfield observed from Trafalgar Square, while Phoebe Stannard captured the solemn beauty within Westminster Abbey during the service. At Windsor Castle, artist and illustrator Shana Lohrey portrayed the lively atmosphere and sense of unity at the Coronation Concert.
Eileen Hogan, Emeritus Professor at the University of the Arts London and a Trustee of the Royal Drawing School, was uniquely commissioned to paint the Coronation Service itself from within Westminster Abbey. Notably, she is the first woman in history to receive such a commission for a royal coronation. Reflecting on the challenge, Hogan said, “The stillness of a painting really isolates and intensifies significant moments, and emphasises meaning; whether that be ritualistic, spiritual, or simply extremely human.”
The completed works – nineteen in total – were presented to The King at Clarence House in September 2024. They have now become part of The Royal Collection, preserving their historical and artistic value for future generations. In a short film released on The Royal Family’s official YouTube channel, His Majesty can be seen viewing a selection of the artworks and engaging in conversation with the artists.
The release of these evocative pieces comes just ahead of the unveiling of the official Coronation State Portraits, created by artists Peter Kuhfeld and Paul S. Benney. These portraits, like the commissioned artwork, will also join the Royal Collection as tributes to a momentous chapter in the reign of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
