The Coronation Invitation - by Andrew Jamieson

It was a wonderful surprise to see that King Charles's interests in plants and natural history are reflected in the official invitation to the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on 6th May 2022.

The Official Invitation to the Coronation on 6 May 2023

About the Invitation

The Invitation has been sent to the 2,000 guests at the Coronation in Westminster Abbey.  The Guests are a mix of what used to be called "the great and the good" but might more accurately described on this occasion as:

• members of the Royal Family
• important politicians and other people who represent offices of state - within the UK and other countries
• some 850 valued members of society: community volunteers who have been awarded a British Empire Medal and key workers - particularly those identified as heroes of the Pandemic You can read about some of them on this page

Design of the Invitation

The original artwork for the invitation was hand-painted in watercolour and gouache.  The design has then been reproduced and printed on recycled card, with gold foil detailing. â€‹

The British wildflower meadow bordering the invitation features lily of the valley, cornflowers, wild strawberries, dog roses, bluebells, and a sprig of rosemary for remembrance, together with wildlife including a bee, a butterfly, a ladybird, a wren and a robin. Flowers appear in groupings of three, signifying The King becoming the third monarch of his name. 
The Coronation Invitation

It also includes the motif of the Green Man, an ancient figure from British folklore, symbolic of spring and rebirth, to celebrate the new reign and a coronation in May. It's an image which is also found in many other culture around the world.

The shape of the Green Man, crowned in natural foliage, is formed of leaves of oak, ivy and hawthorn, and the emblematic flowers of the United Kingdom.  Some have criticised it as a pagan image, however it appears carved in wood or stone in many churches, chapels, cathedrals and other religious buildings.

A slightly closer look at the borders where the plants are.

Borders of the Coronation Invitation - designed and painted by Andrew Jamieson

About the heraldic artist who designed the invitation

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A post shared by Andrew Jamieson (Official Page) (@artyjamie1746)

When I first saw the invitation I wondered whether Gillian Barlow, might have been involved as she has produced RHS Royal Signatures (see A Royal Signature Painting for the Platinum Jubilee) and has worked has worked as a Herald painter at London's College of Arms for 30 years.

However it was revealed that the invitation was designed and painted by Andrew Jamieson, a heraldic artist and manuscript illuminator of greater seniority - a field in which had has worked for the last 40 years.

• 1983 - graduated from Reigate School of Art in Surrey
• up to 1995 - worked as a freelance heraldic artist for the College of Arms 
• 2002 - elected a Brother of the Artworkers Guild. (The King is an Honorary Member).

His activities include:

• designing and illuminating Royal Letters Patent and documents of State for His Majesty's Crown Office
• being an expert in the  specialist fields of
  
  • heraldic art,
    
  • calligraphy and
    
  • manuscript illumination.​​

You can find his artwork on his Website | Instagram | Twitter | Contact details

I highly recommend you take a look at his website as it includes some truly amazing artwork.