Iolani Palace, Honolulu, USA.
The official residence of Hawaii’s former monarchy, their Majesties, King Kalakaua and his sister and successor, Queen Liliuokalani.
The Palace was begun in 1879 and completed by 1882 to enhance the prestige of Hawaii and mark her status as a modern nation. It was the only official Royal Residence in the USA and was fitted with the most modern amenities of its time including indoor plumbing, gas powered chandeliers to then be replaced with electric lighting and the recently invented telephone.
Queen Liliuokalani was overthrown by the American Minister of Hawaii and held prisoner at the palace for 5 years. After years of neglect the palace fell into disrepair and was reopened to the public in 1978 after much restoration. The palace is now a celebration of Polynesian history and Hawaii’s Royal heritage.
The Royal Throne
The Iolani Throne was restored by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
Humphries Weaving were commissioned to provide crimson damask in pure silk for the restoration of the throne.
The original throne design was redrawn from the company’s archive and rewoven broadloom (28.5inches, 72.5cm wide). The crimson shade was copied from late 19th Century archive documents as no original covering survived.
Project reference: 2077
