India’s controversial colonial-era Kohinoor diamond is to be cast as a “symbol of victory” as part of a new exhibition of the British Crown Jewels at the Gallery of London set to open to the public in May.
The Historic Royal Palaces (HRP), the charity that manages Britain’s palaces, said this week that the new Jewel House exhibition will explore the history of the Kohinoor – also known as the Koh-i-Noor – through a combination of objects and visual projections.
The infamous diamond, which was set within the crown of her late mother Queen Elizabeth II, is inside the Tower after Camilla – in a diplomatic move – chose not to wear this traditional crown for her marriage with King Charles II on June 6.
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“The history of the Koh-i-Noor, which is set within the crown of Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, will be explored,” HRP said, with reference to the newly planned exhibition.
“The combination of objects and visual projections will explain the history of the stone as a symbol of victory, with many previous owners, including Mughal Emperors, Shahs of Iran, Emirs of Afghanistan, and Sikh Maharajas,” he said.
Kohinoor, which means mountain of fire in Persian, came into the possession of Queen Victoria from the treasury of Maharaja Ranjit Singh a few years before he was crowned as the emperor of India and has played an influential role in British rebellion in the past.
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It will now take center stage in a new post-Coronation exhibition at the Tower of London.
“We look forward to expanding the stories told about the crown jewels, and to presenting this amazing collection for millions of visitors from around the world to enjoy,” said Andrew Jackson, Governor of the Museum of London and Keeper of the Jewel. . House.
“We are delighted to unveil the brand new Jewel House exhibition from May 26, giving visitors an intimate insight into this great collection. As the home of the Crown Jewels, we are delighted that the Tower of London will continue to play its role during this historic Coronation year,” he said.
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The new exhibition will open a few weeks after the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla, who will be crowned with the crown of Queen Mary. It marks the first major change to the Jewel House at the Tower of London for over a decade, which has been home to Britain’s Crown Jewels for almost 400 years.
“The Crown Jewels are the most powerful symbol of the British monarchy and have deep religious, historical, and cultural significance. From their fascinating origins to their use during the Coronation ceremony, the new Jewel House transformation will reveal the rich history of this great collection with more depth and detail than ever before,” said Charles Farris, Historian for History – history of the monarchy in HRP. .
Among some other changes, the story of the famous Cullinan diamond will also be featured, with the hammer and knife used to make the first cuts to the giant diamond going on display at the Jewel House for the first time.
Discovered in South Africa in 1905, the diamond is the largest uncut diamond at 3,106 carats. It is divided into nine major stones and 96 smaller stones, with the two largest stones featuring the British Scepter with Cross and Imperial State Crown.
At the heart of the new exhibition will be a room dedicated to the scene, the page and the environment of the Coronation Process.
The exhibition will showcase Coronation Processions throughout history, celebrating the contributions of the many people who took part in these unique events.
On display will be a series of items from the Royal Costume Collection, including the great court coat worn at the Coronation of George IV and the herald’s tabard which would have been worn during royal processions.
The exhibition will end in the Treasury, the vault that protects the majority of the crown jewels collection, containing over 100 items in total. Among the wonders displayed in the Treasury is the St. Edward’s Crown of 1661, which was used at the time of the coronation and is the most important and sacred crown within the collection.
The King’s Scepter with the Cross and the Orb of the Sovereign, which were presented to the king at the time of the trial, are also on display in the Treasury.
The new lighting will allow visitors to experience the world-famous reception like never before, HRP said in a release that is the culmination of a major four-year project.
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