W&L Reeves Center's Diamond Jubilee Exhibit
As Britain celebrates the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II from June 2 to June 5, the Reeves Center at Washington and Lee University is displaying teaware commemorating her coronation.
Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth 60 years ago, after her father, King George VI, died on Feb. 6, 1952. The actual coronation was delayed until June 2, 1953, to allow for a period of mourning. Queen Victoria is the only other British monarch to have had a reign of the same longevity as Queen Elizabeth.
The three cups and saucers on display in the Reeves Center were probably donated by Euchlin and Louise Herreshoff Reeves, founders of the Reeves Collection. “The Reeveses traveled to Great Britain in 1953 and likely scheduled their trip to be in London for the coronation,” said Ron Fuchs, curator of the Reeves Collection. “They probably bought these commemorative pieces at that time as a souvenir and to add to their growing collection of ceramics.”
Volunteer Marcy Molinaro selected the pieces, catalogued them and wrote the label.
