The new exhibit at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts offers a glimpse into a grand English country estate called Houghton Hall. It was built by the first prime minister and has stayed in the same family ever since.
The current lord of the house, the 7th Marquess of
Cholmondeley (pronounced “Chumly”) is also Lord Great Chamberlain. One responsibility of that ceremonial position is to serve as caretaker of the Prince of Wales’ throne, used at coronations and at the annual State Opening of Parliament — if the Prince chooses to attend.
For 16 years, starting in 1996, Prince Charles did not take part in the opening, which is essentially equivalent to the State of the Union. So, when Lord Cholmondeley
made arrangements to have selected items from Houghton Hall tour three American museums, he planned on having the throne travel along with examples of his family’s paintings, sculptures, furniture and china.
He was quite surprised to receive a call in 2013 saying Charles planned to accompany his mother. The throne would be needed after all. Luckily, the exhibit was still a year away, so it all worked out.
Lord Cholmondeley says he had no indication that the Prince was starting a new habit, so he went forward with plans to send the throne on tour. Then last year, with a custom crate already made and about to be loaded the call came again to deliver the throne for the state ceremony. Lord Cholmondeley says it took a few phone calls, but he convinced the powers that be it was OK to use a very similar chair, just once.
Of course, given the throne’s 16 year absence, even the most ardent fans of UK pomp and circumstance might not have noticed the change.
Nashville is the last stop for the Houghton Hall exhibit. It’s scheduled to close May 10, shortly before this year’s State Opening of Parliament is expected to take place.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM