Platinum Jubilee display

By John Watson Local Journalism initiative Reporter

To celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee, The Vault Cultural Collective is hosting a display of memorabilia depicting the British royal family. 

 The Queen’s Jubilee marks the 70th anniversary of her accession to the British throne. She is the longest reigning monarch in British history. 

The previous owner of that distinction was Elizabeth II’s great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria, who reigned for 63 years prior to her death at the age of 81 in 1901.

The collection of memorabilia on display at The Vault was provided by collector Lynne Fair, who said she is an avid enthusiast for anything relating to the British Crown.

“I’ve always had British roots and have always been interested in the monarchy. I was definitely around when there was the coronation,” said Fair. “(My collection) was assembled very, very slowly over a lot of time. I tend to be a collector anyways and I’m often at collection sales.”

Fair said she makes a habit of adding unique articles to the collection whenever she comes across a new piece. 

Many of the pieces within her collection, she explained, are the only ones of their like she has come across. 

The collection dates back to Queen Victoria, with memorabilia of the royal family including up to more recent pieces bearing images of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Kate.

“They didn’t even all come down to The Vault or fit in here, but I have a lot of books that I have done some research on, and I’m really pleased to see them all in one place,” said Fair. “There is another generation or two to come along and since Prince George and I are sort of, of the same vintage, I hope that after all the years of waiting and training, that he gets a short chance at least to be the king before William takes over.”

Fair added she is unsure of just how many articles comprise her entire collection, which began in 1953 upon acquiring items from the Queen’s coronation from a relative in England.

The Platinum Jubilee was celebrated from June 2-5 and was celebrated by former British colonies across the globe.

“This Platinum Jubilee is a first ever and there probably will not be another one for anybody to reign for 70 years,” she said.

Those who are interested in viewing Fair’s collection can drop into The Vault during its regular open hours. The display will remain in place until November.