The artist Ann Carrington has created a velvet banner to hang from the stern of the Royal Barge for the Thames Diamond Jubilee procession. The magnificent red banner is embroidered with over half a million golden buttons which took 4 months to sew on. The banner takes its design inspiration from the Coronation Crown as well as another 'Royal' tradition - the London Pearly Kings and Queens who have been embellishing their suits with pearl buttons since the 19th century. The end result is stunning and altogether fitting for the Royal Jubilee Barge. But much as we love gold here at BeGolden, we reckon that sewing on half a million gold buttons represents a real labour of love and must have nearly driven Ann and her team crazy!
