Designer and manufacturer of commercial and residential textiles, Camira has supplied woven wool fabrics for the anointing screen, at His Majesty the King’s coronation at Westminster Abbey on 6th May 2023.
The anointing screen, which was designed by iconographer Aidan Hart, has been brought to life by several local firms based in the North of England. Combining traditional and contemporary sustainable embroidery practices, the design speaks to His Majesty the King’s deep affection for the Commonwealth.
Camira fabrics have been selected for elements of the applique work on the anointing screen, including premium wool felts, Synergy and Blazer which are produced using New Zealand wool.
Commenting on the opportunity, CEO at Camira, Alan Williams said: “It is an honour to be able to contribute to this truly special project. The anointing screens will be visible to people across the world at a key moment in the Coronation ceremony and it is a privilege to be a small part of that. This project is a collaborative effort, involving many talented craftspeople and the screen will highlight that the UK textile manufacturing industry is thriving despite the challenges we face.”
Camira’s Synergy fabric, in the shade, League has been used to form a tree on the screen which includes 56 leaves, representing the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth. Blazer in the colour, Ulster and Synergy in Accord, have been used to depict a grass area at the base of the tree, where the King’s cypher is positioned to represent the Sovereign as servant of their people.
Other local business that contributed to the creation of the anointing screen include AW Hainsworth in Leeds, R Gledhill Ltd in Delph, John Spencer Textiles Ltd and Ian Mankin Ltd in Burnley, WT Johnson & Sons Ltd in Huddersfield and H&C Whitehead Ltd in Brighouse.
His Majesty the King is a keen advocate and supporter of the preservation of heritage craft skills, and the anointing screen project has been a collaboration of these specialists in traditional crafts, from those early in their careers to artisans with many years of experience.
His Majesty King Charles III is also a supporter of The Campaign for Wool which launched in 2010 to raise awareness amongst consumers about the unique, inherent natural, renewable and biodegradable benefits offered by the fibre in fashion, furnishings and everyday life.
The anointing, which takes place before the investiture and crowning of His Majesty, has historically been regarded as a moment between the Sovereign and God, with a screen or canopy in place given the sanctity of the anointing. The screen has been gifted for the Coronation by the City of London Corporation and participating Livery Companies, the City’s ancient and modern trade guilds.
Headquartered in Mirfield in Yorkshire, Camira has manufacturing facilities in the UK and Lithuania, offices and showrooms in Europe, North America, Australia, as well as China and a global network of agents and distributors.
To find out more about Camira visit www.camirafabrics.com