What Fairytales are Made Of.....

King Ludvig's Bavarian sleigh

There was a time when travel for royalty was in elaborately carved coaches and sleighs.

Kerry Larson photo

Art and history are intertwined in these royal carriages.

The finest craftsmen were employed to carve, gild and paint these works of art.

The famous Lord Mayor's coach has painted panels reportedly done by Cipriani.

This coach, built for the Queen's 80th birthday, contains almost 4000 years of history!

[And] the Queen classifies the coaches as works of art." But for Mr Frecklington the coach is a historical monument. "This is a time capsule that goes back almost 4000 years."

The passenger doors are inlaid with wood from Henry VIII's flagship, the Mary Rose, the Tower of London and St Paul's Cathedral. Even Admiral Nelson's golden crown, rescued from the battle of Trafalgar, rides atop the roof, although here there is a hint of the modern world.

Jim Carlson photo

This is the Golden State  Carriage from the Royal Mews in London used for the Queen's coronation. History....art.....what fairytales are made of!