The Royal Exchange, London

Grimshaw's depiction of the Royal Exchange illustrates the animated coronation celebrations for Edward VII. The ceremony was intended to be on 26 June 1902 at Westminster Abbey but the future King suffered an untimely attack of appendicitis the day before and the event was postponed. The coronation eventually took place on 9 August 1902 in London and festivities were resumed, as illustrated in the present work. Three similar works by the artist depicting St. Margaret's, Westminster and Whitehall were all shown at the Alexander Gallery in 1976 (nos. 34-36).

We are grateful to Alex Robertson for his help in preparing this catalogue entry.