magazine, The Argus and Australasian Coronation Souvenir 24 May 1937, 24 May 1937

Historical information

The Argus was a morning daily newspaper in Melbourne that was established in 1846 and closed in 1957 and was considered to be the general Australian newspaper of record for this period. Widely known as a conservative newspaper for most of its history.
George VI became King after his brother, King Edward VIII, abdicated in 1936. The coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth as King and Queen of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth and as Emperor and Empress of India took place at Westminster Abbey, London, on 12 May 1937. King George ascended the throne upon the abdication of his brother, King Edward VIII, on 10 December 1936, three days before his 41st birthday. Edward's coronation had been planned for 12 May 1937 and it was decided to continue with his brother and sister-in-law's coronation on the same date.

Significance

This newspaper provides a detailed pictorial representation of the coronation of King George V1 in London on 12 May, 1937. The commonwealth countries, including Australia joined in the celebration.
Saving an item dedicated to the royal family is typical of the general feeling of respect and admiration felt by the rural communities towards the British Royal Family.

Physical description

A special edition souvenir newspaper which is a forty page pictorial commemorating the Coronation of King George VI. It is titled "THE ARGUS and AUSTRALIAN CORONATION SOUVENIR". On the front cover is a coloured painting /print of a horse parade/procession with banners printed by "ROWED". In the bottom right corner is the cost - 1/-.
It contains a complete record of the ceremonies as well as large portrait photos of the royal family designed for framing.

Back to top