National Museums Northern Ireland, which is an arms-length body of my department, has purchased ceremonial uniforms which once belonged to Sir Edward Carson. The uniforms, which had been in the possession of a Belfast businessman, were bought at an auction in Dublin.
Dr Jim McGreevy of NMNI said, 'We are very pleased to have acquired these ceremonial uniforms. Sir Edward Carson was a formidable lawyer and one of the most prominent politicians of his time. He played a defining role in shaping our history. The acquisition offers opportunities for the future display of the uniforms in appropriate historical contexts not least the forthcoming centenary in 2012 of the Ulster Covenant, an event already referenced in the Ulster Museum through the very pen used by Carson to sign the Covenant.'
I'm delighted that the Ulster Museum has had the chance to acquire Lord Carson's official Court Dress.
ReplyDeleteI paid a visit to Kensington Palace almost a year ago; and they have a splendid collection of Court Dress.
It is remarkable that, in terms of precedence and Court hierarchy, the amount of gold braid on the uniform depended on the rank - or status - of the person!
I think even Cabinet Ministers had special Court Dress; and ambassadors.
Tim