Royal Curtains Find New Life as Unique Foot Stools for Charity Auction
In an innovative approach to recycling and sustainability, curtains once adorning Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle have been transformed into foot stools that are now being auctioned for charity. Eight hand-crafted wooden foot stools, covered in repurposed royal curtain material, are set to be sold online to benefit the King’s Foundation.
The curtain fabrics, dating from the 1950s to 1990s during Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, feature distinctive patterns including “delft blue floral, vintage rose and teal, and rich damask burnt orange drapery.” This isn’t the first time royal textiles have been creatively repurposed; last year, similar curtains were used to create kimonos that were also auctioned.
The foot stools were meticulously crafted at the Snowdon School of Furniture, located on King Charles’s Highgrove Estate in Gloucestershire. The textile coverings were created by members of the Dumfries House Sewing Bee in Scotland, a community project that encourages people to develop textile skills.
Adding an extra touch of charm to the auction, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has been involved in the photoshoot for the foot stools. Several dogs seeking new homes were featured, creating a playful “re-tail” narrative that aligns with the charity’s mission.
The auction directly supports the King’s Foundation, an organization dedicated to training people in traditional craft skills. This initiative reflects King Charles’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.
The foot stools offer a unique opportunity for potential buyers to own a piece of royal history. They could serve as a conversation piece, with furniture more authentically royal than even the sets of popular royal-themed television shows.
This isn’t the first time royal items have been auctioned for charitable purposes. Last year, chairs used during the Coronation raised over £32,000 for charity, demonstrating the public’s interest in royal memorabilia that supports good causes.
The project represents a creative approach to recycling and sustainability, transforming historical textiles into functional, desirable items. By repurposing curtains from prestigious royal residences, the initiative not only raises funds for charity but also gives new life to materials that might otherwise have been discarded.
The online auction provides an opportunity for individuals to own a unique piece of royal history while supporting the King’s Foundation and potentially helping Battersea Dogs and Cats Home find homes for their rescue animals.
Those interested in bidding can participate in the online auction, with proceeds going to support traditional craft skills training and other charitable initiatives.
