Unique Silver Jubilee River Pageant Memorabilia Queen Elizabeth II GLC County Hall London Visit

Description

Unique Silver Jubilee River Pageant Memorabilia From Queen Elizabeth II’s Visit to The GLC, County Hall, London 9 June 1977. Six Item Lot.

This is a private sale from a pet, smoke and Covid free home. The items in this one of a kind lot have been in my sole possession since I acquired them in 1977 when I was working as a secretary for the Dias of the Greater London Council (i.e. supporting the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Deputy Chairman). I was present during the Queen’s visit to County Hall on 9 June 1977 and had participated in the extensive preparations leading up to this celebratory occasion. Her Majesty was accompanied by the Duke Of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, Prince Andrew and Prince Edward. Later that same evening the Commonwealth Heads also arrived at County Hall – to watch a firework display.

The Chairman’s room, and my desk, on the principal floor had wonderful views over the River Thames and of the Houses of Parliament at the opposite end of Westminster Bridge to County Hall. For this reason it was an ideal vantage point for Her Majesty to view the Jubilee River Pageant after she had made her progression along the Thames and alighted outside County Hall.

The Greater London Council no longer exists and County Hall was turned into a hotel many years ago. Much of the documentation from the GLC has therefore been destroyed or lost. Hence it is now very rare for items to still exist such as those being offered for sale here.

This unique lot is comprised of the following six items:

Printed Souvenir Brochure And Programme: Produced by the Port Of London Authority for the Queen’s River Progress on the Thames, River Pageant and subsequent Fireworks Displays as part of the Silver Jubilee Celebrations on 9 June 1977. Contains 26 numbered pages. Size: approximately 30 cm high X 23 cm wide. Some of the black and white printed pages have turned a slight yellow colour – which is usual for paper of this age. Overall this item is in excellent condition – there are no loose or missing pages, nor any tears or handwritten notes.

Typed Internal Programme For The Evening At County Hall: Produced by the Greater London Council’s ceremonial staff this document was typed on four sides of paper to provide an internal reference document detailing the activities, locations within County Hall, timings and people involved. Size: approximately 21 cm high x 29.5 cm wide. The edges in the top left hand corner, where the pages are stapled together, are showing signs of use with some creasing and small tears. There is a crease down the middle of the document where it has been folded. There are no stains or handwritten notes on this document. Considering its age and use throughout the evening concerned in 1977 overall its condition is very good.

Typed Service Circular (No. 144) For GLC And ILEA Staff: Produced by the Council’s ceremonial staff this briefing document was typed on two single sided sheets of paper, then duplicated and issued on 10 May 1977 to all employees of the Greater London Council and the Inner London Education Authority to ensure they were aware of what would be happening in connection with the Queen’s visit. Size: approximately 33 cm high x 21.5 cm wide. There is a crease down the middle of the document where it has been folded, and whilst folded the staple in the top left hand corner has caused a small rust mark on the bottom left hand corner of the front page. There are no tears or stains or handwritten notes on this document. It is in very good condition for its age.

Typed Notes Of The Final Meeting Of The Working Party Arranging The Evening: Produced by the Council’s ceremonial staff these fascinating minutes were typed on six sides of paper and covered the final details discussed and agreed at the last working party held on 4 May 1977. The topics included arrangements for the Royal Standard, flowers, live music, refreshments, media representatives, special lighting and signage, special exhibitions, switchboard, security, chauffeurs, seating, guests, etc. Size: approximately 29.5 cm high x 21 cm wide. This document is in excellent condition given it has been stored in a file for most of its life. There is a crease across the middle where it has been folded, and a small crease parallel with the staple in the top left hand corner. There are no tears or stains or handwritten notes.

Two Colour Photographs Of The Queen With Dignitaries Inside County Hall: The photographs included in this lot were taken for internal use by a member of the Council's Photographic Unit, which existed as part of the Greater London Council's Department of Architecture and Civic Design. These photographs were copyrighted and their reproduction was prohibited so they are rare. They were gifted to me by a member of the unit after the event.

The landscape orientated photograph depicts Her Majesty, the Duke Of Edinburgh and the Prince Of Wales in conversation with key Council dignitaries and their wives – including, on the Queen’s left, the Chairman Of The Greater London Council at that time, Mr. Bains, (wearing his badge of office) and, on the Queen’s right, the Leader of the Council, Mr. Cutler . Size: approximately 12.5 cm high x 18 cm wide. On the reverse is a handwritten photographer’s reference number, the date of 9 June 1977, and a note stating: The Queen’s visit to County Hall.

The portrait orientated photograph depicts the Deputy Chairman, Mrs. Grieves, being presented to Her Majesty, who was standing between the Chairman and the Duke of Edinburgh. The Vice Chairman, Mr. Bolton, was speaking with the Duke Of Edinburgh. Size: approximately 17.5 cm high x 12.5 cm wide. On the reverse is a handwritten photographer’s reference number, and a note stating: Mr. Bolton (Vice Chairman) and Mrs. Grieves (Deputy Chairman).

Overall both photographs are in very good condition. There are no tears or creases or stains on them. As is to be expected given their age, the colour in these photographs has faded slightly over the years and they have a light brown tinge - although the Queen’s bright yellow hat and coat are still vibrant.

In order to make your own assessment regarding the condition of all the items in this lot please refer to the photographs which accompany my listing.

Buyer to collect, and pay cash on collection please.Regret no returns accepted. Thank you.

Ad ID: 1426418207