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Investiture of the Prince of Wales at Caernarvon

GILLOT, Eugène Louis (1868 - 1925)

Date: 1912

Media: oil on canvas

Size: 196.9 x 276.3 cm

Acquired: 1920; Gift; Sir Alfred Mond

Accession Number: NMW A 2619

The son of an architect, Gillot was born and trained in Paris. He exhibited at the Paris World Exhibition in 1900 and was well known in Britain for large commemorative paintings. Gillot produced two other pictures of British state events of 1911, The Spithead Review and The Coronation of George V. This work depicts the Investiture of David, later Edward VIII at Caernarfon Castle on 13 July 1911. The view is looking south-east from the King's Gate. At the left is the Queen's Gate and at the right part the Black Tower. In the foreground is the main dais surmounted by a statue of St David. The Prince of Wales is reading his speech directly following the actual Investiture. Next to him sit King George V in naval uniform and Queen Mary in a white dress and hat. Notables in uniform and druidic costume surround the dais and at the left sits a choir, including 200 women in Welsh national dress. At the battlements of the Queen's Gate are the trumpeters of the Household Cavalry. This painting was commissioned by Sir Alfred Mond, later Baron Melchett (1868-1930). The founder of ICI, he also controlled most of the Welsh anthracite field. As Liberal MP for Swansea from 1910 to 1923 he was present at the Investiture.

Comments (7)

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Suzanne merrill
22 October 2015, 00:34

Is it true that the day of edward's investiture was so hot that he almost fainted?

Meagan Nowacki
24 October 2014, 04:13
I have recently aquired a painting by Eugene Louis Gillot. I have all appropriate appraisal paperwork. I am however, interested in learning more about it... It is a portrait. If you are interested, please email me. Thank you.
Maria Houihan
20 November 2013, 18:59
My Mother always told me my Grandfather was at the investiture. He was a South Wales miner who later served in the First World War, L/Cpl William John Davies MM ... not sure what he was doing in 1912 but he may have also served in the Merchant Navy when younger.
Amgueddfa Cymru
24 April 2012, 10:14
Dear Marsha Swift,
Thank you for your comment, we don't hold any information relating to the choir at the investiture unfortunately, I would suggest trying Gwynedd Archives, or the National Archives as they may hold details of the choir that was present at the Investiture.
Graham Davies, Online Curator, Amgueddfa Cymru.
Marsha Swift
23 April 2012, 15:57
My grandmother stated the she was in the choir at Edward's investiture. Where might I find more information about the choir?
Amgueddfa Cymru
6 January 2010, 13:58
Dear Antony Rufus Isaacs,

Thank you for your enquiry. Unfortunately we do not have a digital image of the work, we are currently in the process of digitising the collection but this work has not yet been done. The work is currently in store, if you would like to make an appointment to view the work in store please contact Clare.Smith@museumwales.ac.uk
Many thanks, Clare Smith, Collections Manager, Art Department.
Antony Rufus Isaacs
6 January 2010, 10:50
My great Grandfather Sir Alfred Mond - his daughter Eva - Marchioness of Reading - was my Grandmother. I inherited several Gillots from my grand mother and now I realise why she had them. Do you have a photo of the "Investiture of the Prince of Wales at Caernarvon" I would very much like to see it.

Sincerely Antony Rufus Isaacs
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