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Queen for a Day
Public Services student Isabella Selby chosen to model coronation gown at an event to mark the Coronation!

Public Services student Izabella Selby, was chosen to model an exact replica of Queen Elizabeth I coronation gown at an event to mark the Coronation of King Charles. Izabella and her mother had been following the Facebook account of Lady Georgina Anne Clark, who hand-makes spectacular historical costumes. Isabell’s mum replied to a post asking for a model and suggested her daughter.

Izabella explained: “Luckily, Lady Georgina picked me. I then went to her house to try on the gown which fitted perfectly and as Lady Georgina dressed me she explained the steps that Elizabeth I would have taken when she dressed for her Coronation.”

The event took place at Valence House Museum in Dagenham on the day of the Coronation.
Izabella said: “I took me about half an hour to get ready and I modelled the dress twice; once in the morning and again in the afternoon. It was a privilege to model for Lady Georgina, she made the dresses so well. She has been making costumes it for 37 years so she is very good at it. She made a full body Elizabethan corset with whale bone (we used wood), which I was tied into with her knee in my back, I could just about breath!"

“I had about five layers on and Lady Georgina had also made ruffles for my wrists and neck, the jewellery, crown and the chain of office but it was surprisingly comfortable.” Izabella is waiting for confirmation of her next modelling gig which will be taking place at Windsor Castle at the end of the year.