The debut of The Crown on Netflix in 2016 brought renewed interest in Great Britain's Royal Family, particularly the earliest years of Queen Elizabeth II's seven decade reign. In Season 3 of the award-winning drama, preparations are underway for the Queen's Silver Jubilee, celebrating the 25th anniversary of her ascension to the throne.

As excitement grew in the year leading up to the big day, the Palace struggled with the advent of what we now refer to as 'unofficial merchandise' - hundreds upon hundreds of novelty items and low-quality trinkets that flooded shops and stands, stamped and decorated in all manner (and dubious accuracy!) with the Queen's likeness. Instead of an assuredly unsuccessful attempt at stemming the flow of these undesirable items, a determination was made that it would be more practical instead to offer a royal stamp of approval to commemorative souvenirs deemed to meet a high standard of production and design.

A Silver Jubilee Design Council headed by King Charles III, then the Prince of Wales, was formed to undertake the evaluation of submitted items from sanctioned artisans and British firms. Careful viewers of The Crown will spot a scene during the season in which Lord Snowdon, professional photographer and husband to Princess Margaret and thereby brother-in-law to the Queen herself, introduces a few of these official mementos in advance of widespread production. 

One item whose fate particularly interested the Design Council was a simple, cream colored stoneware mug designed for Wedgwood. Bearing a striking image of the Queen, it was designed by Lord Snowdon himself from one of his own portraits. It has been intimated that Prince Charles was not overly inclined for the panel to approve the modern style of the mug with its frank and personal likeness of the Queen, but acquiesced considering his uncle Lord Snowdon's position as honorary adviser to the very same Design Council.

Found at market in England, this lovely Vintage Wedgwood Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Portrait Mug is one and the same! Marked on the underside 'Royal Silver Jubilee' and 'Wedgwood' with additional markings for the Jubilee year and reflecting design by Lord Snowdon, the mug was produced as part of a very limited run.

Its large, over-sized silhouette and contemporary style are sure to impress when displayed alongside other mementos or royal memorabilia. Rich in history with a unique and storied provenance, it promises to hold its own regal position as a crowning conversation piece within your collection.

Strictly one-of-a-kind and subject to prior sale. Handwashing recommended. Mug measures 4.5"H x 5". In good vintage condition.

Learn More About Queen Elizabeth's Coronation

With bittersweet poignancy, 2024 marks the second anniversary of The Queen's passing. Through an unprecedented 70 years of service to her people, Queen Elizabeth II promises to remain distinguished for some time as the longest reigning monarch in British history. A true monarch for the ages, as well as a cultural icon, her spirit and legacy continue to inspire. 

Born the first child of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Albert, or as the world came to know him, King George VI, Princess Elizabeth became an unlikely heir apparent upon the ascension to the throne of her father in 1937, the second son of King George V and Queen Mary.

As his health declined in 1951, Elizabeth started to assume the presence of her father King George VI at various public events. In October of that year, Elizabeth toured Canada and the United States, carrying with her a draft accession declaration in the event of the King’s passing. In early 1952, Elizabeth and her husband Philip set out to tour Australia, New Zealand and Kenya. On February 6 1952, Elizabeth had returned to her Kenyan home when she had heard the news - King George VI had passed and she was in line to serve as Queen. Ruling under the regal name, Queen Elizabeth II, she and her husband, who had become the Duke of Edinburgh, reigned over all of the United Kingdom, taking residence in Buckingham Palace.

Although the newly ascended monarch was officially proclaimed Queen Elizabeth II, her coronation ceremony was held more than a year after her accession. True to tradition, celebrations such as a coronation were not considered appropriate during a time of mourning - both King George VI and her grandmother, Queen Mary, had passed within the months leading to her coronation. As stated in her will, Queen Mary was firm in her statement regarding the planning and coronation of Elizabeth II, stating her death should not interfere with the planning of the ceremony. It was on June 2, 1953 when Elizabeth received her coronation ceremony in the promise to uphold the laws of her nations and govern the Church of England.

Adorned with the Imperial State Crown and holding a scepter with the cross and orb, Elizabeth had officially become Queen of the United Kingdom. As she made her way out of the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey, the crowd proudly sang “God Save the Queen”.

Learn More about Coronation Memorabilia

As a means to commemorate historic events - including coronations; silver, golden and diamond jubilees; royal weddings and royal visits to distant lands - artisans and craftspeople were commissioned to create beautiful pieces of memorabilia. Highly collectable, they are much more than mementos of an event long past. They are lovely pieces created to capture the spirit of their time as much as they capture our imaginations today.