SKU: 80816434067

Oliver Messel “Gloriana” 1953 Coronation Royal Gala Performance Royal Opera Covent Garden Programme

Sale price$259.65 Regular price$288.50
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $72.12 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 28 - Aug 2

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

Oliver Messel “Gloriana” 1953 Coronation Royal Gala Performance Royal Opera Covent Garden Programme[4] pp. 1953 15 1 2" x 10 1 2" Oliver Messel (19041978) "Gloriana" by Benjamin Britten (19131976) Original Programme for Royal Gala Performance for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II Royal Opera House, London Printed by Eaton Press, Liverpool 8th June 1953 Measures: 26. 7 cm x 39. 4 cm Cover designed by Oliver Messel incorporating "OM" monogram. Gilt cord and tassels to spine. A large souvenir programme for the Royal Gala Performance of Benjamin

[4] pp.

1953

15 1/2" x 10 1/2"

Oliver Messel (1904–1978)

"Gloriana" by Benjamin Britten (1913–1976)

Original Programme for Royal Gala Performance for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II

Royal Opera House, London

Printed by Eaton Press, Liverpool

8th June 1953

Measures:-

26.7 cm x 39.4 cm

Cover designed by Oliver Messel incorporating "OM" monogram. Gilt cord and tassels to spine.

A large souvenir programme for the Royal Gala Performance of Benjamin Britten's "Gloriana" - commissioned to commemorate the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The opera starred Peter Pears as Robert Devereaux, Earl of Essex and Joan Cross as Queen Elizabeth I. The costumes and scenery were designed by John Piper CH (1903-1992).

Oliver Messel designed the special decorations of the Theatre, Entrance Hall and Crush Bar.

Flowers by Constance Spry

Designer Oliver Messel’s fantastic, imaginative approach and his feel for grand occasions meant that he was in great demand to design temporary decorations for balls, marriage receptions and parties. Prestigious commissions included the decoration of royal boxes for gala performances at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, and temporary decorations for the exterior of the Dorchester Hotel, London, on the occasion of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Typically, he would transform the setting using luxurious fabrics to disguise architectural lines, then embellish the fabrics with garlands of flowers and introduce special lighting effects.

This design is for the Royal Box at the Royal Opera House for the premiere of Benjamin Britten’s opera Gloriana, which took place on 8 June 1853. The performance celebrated the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and was attended by the new Queen. Messel hung a tent-like gold canopy over the three bays and lined the box in pale gold silk made by Sekers, the silk manufacturer. The balconies were also festooned with green garlands and flowers.

The official Royal Box at the Opera House is situated one box away from the stage, which means that, although the public has a good view of the Royal party, they have a very odd view of performances as most of the stage is obscured. The box is also directly above the brass section of the orchestra. Therefore, for most galas from the late 1940s onwards, a Royal Box was created in the centre of the Grand Tier (equivalent of the Dress Circle in most theatres), which gave the Royal party an excellent view of the full stage.

Great Britain’s leading theatre designer from the early 1930s to the mid 1950s, Oliver Messel (1904-1978) won international acclaim for his lavish, painterly and poetic designs informed by period styles. His work spans ballet, drama, film, musical, opera and revue. Messel’s traditional style of theatre design became unfashionable from the mid 1950s onwards, and he increasingly concentrated on painting, interior and textile design, including designing luxury homes in the Caribbean.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 80816434067

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.8 ★★★★★
Based on 16 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
K
Verified Purchase
keunsoo3710
Pawtucket, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect to carry around for travel.
High quality
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2025
M
Verified Purchase
Melissa Orduna
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
Chic Storage Solution!
Size: 10 Slots, Style: 1 Layer, Color: Beige, Size: 10 Slots, Style: 1 Layer, Color: Beige
LOVE this. I needed something to keep my sunglasses together. Why I have this many sunglasses is my business. Lol but this box is beautiful and soft inner and the outside is like a soft faux leather. The color is beautiful. I have one with 10 slots and its perfect for my wide brim Quay Sunglasses and my Gucci Glasses. I also included these Quay Dupes I found on Amazon in my box. It's just a perfect and chic storage container for my sunglasses.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2026
M
Verified Purchase
Mandalorian78
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Glasses Case
Size: 10 Slots, Style: 1 Layer, Color: Beige
Nice Glasses case. My wife loves it
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 28, 2026
K
Verified Purchase
Kathleen santucci
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Glasses organizer fantastic purchase
Size: 10 Slots, Style: 1 Layer, Color: Black
Great size glasses fit perfect nice to look at nice quality good price sturdy
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2026
Y
Verified Purchase
You sent it to 2030 instead of mine Wrong address 2038 Laurel Oak Ct Mobile Al.36695
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 5
Great price for what you get
Size: 10 Slots, Style: 1 Layer, Color: Beige
Great price
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2026

recommand products