Rory Hutton's new scarf for Westminster Abbey commemorates King Charles III Coronation

Award-winning, Cambridge-based designer Rory Hutton has launched a new scarf designed exclusively for Westminster Abbey as the official King Charles III Coronation scarf to commemorate the first coronation to take place at the Abbey in 70 years.

Rory started working with Westminster Abbey since 2019 on this classic silk scarf, shown at left with the British designer and below.

He took inspiration from the oak leaves and birds represented on the coronation chair, the Abbey’s medieval tiles and the heraldic animals and plants which symbolise the four nations that make up the United Kingdom.  

Created from Rory’s signature linocut illustrations, this intricate medieval inspired design is resplendent in a vintage-style colour palette of red, white and blue. The borders are emblazoned with the names of the King and Queen as well as the coronation date.

The official King Charles III Coronation scarf by Rory Hutton was commissioned by Westminster Abbey 
to commemorate the first coronation to take place at the Abbey in 70 years.
Made in Italy in 100% silk, the scarf measures: 90x90cm. 

This year, the artist,, known also as a print maker and historian, is also celebrating his 10th anniversary since starting his business in 2013 with handmade Irish linen bow ties.

In the January 2023 edition of The English Home, he was awarded a New Year Honour in the category "Rising Stars",  while the Homes & Antiques magazine had described the designer’s scarves as ‘worthy collectables’.  Previous awards included Ion Magazine Breakthrough Awards winner and runner-up in the Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Rewilding Blooms scarf (45x45cm) created by Rory Hutton, featuring lively linocut illustrations of Ground Elder, Primroses, Brambles, Buttercups, Ragged Robin, Nettles, Cow Parsley, foxgloves, bluebells, dog roses, daffodils, and orchids. This scarf is designed to celebrate the theme of rewilding, showcasing the beauty of native
plant species that are essential to our ecosystems.  It is a result of the collaboration between Rory Hutton, and Hannah Gardner, a Kew-trained head gardener with over 20 years of experience in sustainable and organic horticulture.

Rory Hutton said: “From making bow ties in my home studio in Wimbledon and achieving considerable success with my silk scarves to receiving a thrilling commission to design a range of items to celebrate the King’s coronation, it has been a hugely rewarding decade for me.

“At the heart of my work - essentially, guiding it for every item - are a commitment to reinterpret historical themes for modern audiences, and a joy in creating visually striking and culturally relevant designs."

Rory Hutton's Constance scarf in blue (90x90cm).

It features roses and peonies tied in elaborate bouquets alongside Chinese fans of varying shapes. These prints were developed from lino blocks lending them a distinctive and contemporary feel.
This design is available in four unique colour-ways.

Rory Hutton Anniversay Portrait by Anne Schwarz

Rory Hutton has collaborated with more than 30 major heritage and retail institutions at home and abroad, including Buckingham Palace, The British Museum, The Royal Opera House, Victoria & Albert Museum, National Theatre, Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens in California.  Notable clients include Fortnum & Mason of Piccadilly and Brown Thomas, Dublin.

Over the last five years, Rory has designed over 100 silk scarves, featuring his signature linocut illustrations and block colours, most of them commissioned by clients to celebrate major exhibitions, events, and anniversaries, including a Queen Elizabeth II commemorative scarf commissioned by Westminster Abbey, and Feminine Power: The Divine to the Demonic for The British Museum. 

Rory’s most recent collection has been inspired by the 400th anniversary this year of the publication of Shakespeare’s First Folio, widely regarded as one of the most significant literary treasures in the world. The range is stocked by the National Theatre, Royal Opera House, Westminster Abbey, and The British Museum.

Rory’s charitable work includes designing Christmas cards for The Hands Up Foundation to raise funds for medical centres and schools in Syria and Lebanon; and designing crowdfunding awards for The Art Fund’s ‘Conserve Canaletto’ campaign.

As his business enters its second decade, Rory plans to move into interior design, encompassing tablecloths, napkins, wallpapers, and upholstery fabrics - both, for the home and the UK and international hospitality sector - all of which will be informed by his deep love of art, craft, and heritage.

All images courtesy of Rory Hutton Ltd.