FROM THE EDITOR

Iremember watching scenes from the (then) Prince of Wales’ investiture at Caernarfon Castle in 1969. I was too young to have an opinion, but I watched in awe as the Queen placed the coronet on the head of her kneeling son. It felt like a scene from a fairy tale. Of course we’ll see a much grander ceremony with the King’s coronation on 6 May. The prospect must be a bit nerve-wracking for Charles, but we wish him well, and he has at least got lots of support! This also brings our bank holidays to a total of three this month, which sounds very civilised indeed.

So how to use all this available time? We suggest a visit to Victoria Art Gallery to see the Bath Society of Artists 118th Annual Exhibition. I spoke to new Head Curator Nathalie Levi about the plans for the gallery (see page 42) many of which are orientated around broadening appeal and inspiring the community. There’s also the Theatre Royal Bath’s production of Just Like Old Friends Do from 30 May, a new comedy about devotion, desire and dancing queens (yes there’s a strong ABBA theme), written by and starring Ian Hallard and directed by Mark Gatiss. Melissa Blease catches up with them both on page 18. We’re also (weather permitting) planning some garden celebrations and feasting –take a look at page 84 for some stylish furniture and entertaining accessories.

I visited Dents leather factory this month, a company that has made the last three coronation gloves for George V, George VI and Elizabeth II, as well as leather driving gloves for James Bond, proving how they have both a modern-day and traditional profile. You can see some of their gloves on page 58. Dents are still in regular contact with Kensington Palace, so look out for news of the latest coronation glove. Also this month we talk to textile artist Carole Waller about a project she developed to reuse her fabric offcuts (page 46); Melissa Blease visits the Royal Crescent Hotel’s relaunched restaurant Montagu’s Mews (page 52); and on page 76 we are treated to some of the thrilling interiors of designer Ashley Hicks. Do make sure that you make good use of all those bank holidays.

Emma Clegg, Editor

A concert celebrating the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III takes place at the Abbey on Friday 5 May, with music including Parry’s I Was Glad, Let the People Praise Thee by Mathias, and Handel’s Zadok the Priest. The Melody Makers join the Abbey choirs of Boys, Girls and Lay Clerks in a glorious evening of Royal music | Tickets £22, £17, £10 (16s and under half price) from bathboxoffice.org.uk

On Saturday 6 May the Coronation will be broadcast live in Bath Abbey and a Coronation Peal will be rung at the end of the service. All the Sunday services in the Abbey will have a coronation theme and the 3.30pm service will be a special Coronation Choral Evensong. The bank holiday on Monday 8 May also has a drop in family craft activity. bathabbey.org

The Bath Magazine

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