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As part of the celebration of her Diamond Jubilee, Queen Victoria drove through London on 22 June 1897 with the purpose of seeing her people and receiving their congratulations. In this depiction of the scene Queen Victoria can be seen in an open State la
Royal Jubilees

Milestone years have been celebrated in long reigns since George III

ALFRED GILBERT (1854-1934)

Centrepiece

1887-90

RCIN 74418

A massive silver, silver-gilt and rock crystal centrepiece, comprising a cruciform marble base on which sit two double-tailed mermen, supporting two ovoid, shell-like bowls terminating in grotesque animal heads, and two patinated cast stauettes of Britannia and St George, who holds a dragon's head. In the centre is a rock-crystal sphere, mounted with iridescent shell, on which is seated a double-tailed mermaid supporting a third, smaller, shell-like bowl surmounted by a standing figure of Victory.

The centrepiece was commissioned by the Officers of the Combined Military Forces as a gift for Queen Victoria on the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 1887. It was delivered in May 1890. Gilbert described it 'the supremest effort of my life'. The design was intended to reflect the 'Realm of Britannia'. The centrepiece was displayed in 1890 at the Chelsea Hospital where it received huge praise.

    The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.