The Queen’s Coronation Dress is regarded as one of the most important examples of twentieth-century design, created by a British couturier. Hartnell was entrusted with the task of designing the dress in October 1952, given his talent for combining rich fabrics with exquisitely designed embroideries. He submitted nine different designs and The Queen accepted the eighth, but suggested the addition of embroideries in various colours rather than all in silver. The Queen also requested that in addition to the four national emblems, those of the Dominions of which she was now Queen should also be added. The silk was produced at Lady Hart Dyke’s silk farm at Lullingstone Castle, Kent and was woven by Warner & Sons in Essex. The embroideries are arranged in three scalloped, graduated tiers bordered with alternating lines of gold bugle beads, diamantés and pearls. The presentation sketch of the final design can be seen in the next entry.