Knutsford jeweller creates new crown for 2023 May Day Queen

Jeweller Tara Kirkpatrick handcrafted the elegant headpiece in her workshop at Clarity Contemporary Jewellery on King Street.

Knutsford Academy schoolgirl 12-year-old Amelie McGill Anglin will christen the bespoke design when she is crowned May Queen on Saturday.

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Tara said: “I wanted to incorporate a nod to the fabulous Tatton Park on our doorstep.

Tara Kirtkpatrick incorprated a set of antlers onto the crown to celebrate Tatton Park (Image: Tara Kirkpatrick)

“The traditional cross is a set of antlers and along the four arches are little antler impressions.

“Nature and sustainability are very important to me.”

Tara has more than 25 years of experience working with silver, gold, platinum and all types of gemstones.

The new May Day Queen's crown and dress were displayed n the window of Arthur Lee Interiors (Image: Vicky Wragg)

Her work has been featured in galleries in Barcelona and San Francisco.

This commission was a first.

“I’ve never made a crown before,” said Tara, who liaised with Val Bryant from Knutsford Heritage Centre to design a contemporary crown that was smaller to make it more comfortable and lighter to wear.

“It was a challenge, I enjoyed it.

Oak leaves surround the band, with a scattering of gems (Image: Tara Kirkpatrick)

“Around the band are oak leaves, looking like they are floating in the wind, with a scattering of gems in greens, yellow, white, red and purple as a traditional crown would have, although not as big as those seen in King Charles’ coronation!”

Once the crown was constructed in June, last year, it went to Sheffield Assay Office to be hallmarked sterling silver.

“I am particularly pleased as the hallmark also has the Platinum Jubilee stamp to celebrate the late Queen Elizabeth’s 70-year reign, which makes it unique” said Tara.

After the gemstones were set and the crown polished, the May Day committee added a velvet cap and trim.

“I am so impressed by all the effort they put into all the bits and bobs,” she said.

“I watch the procession every year but this time it will be quite special,” said proud Tara.

“Normally, I’m looking at the Green Man or the animals but this time I’ll be looking for the May Queen.

“It makes me feel part of the Knutsford community.”

Tara also made special gifts, a silver oak leaf necklace for Amelie and a silver oak leaf lapel pin for Crown Bearer Toby Hui.

Amelie will be crowned May Day Queen on Saturday (Image: Nicola Anglin)

Every year, the committee commissions a new crown and presents it to the May Queen as a momento.

Festival secretary Eileen Podmore said: “The May Queen always keeps the crown.

“It’s wonderful for her to be able to hand it down to her family in years to come.

“May Queens treasure them.”

This year’s crown cost £800 and was sponsored by Manchester Airport.

Julie Walker, the airport’s community engagement manager, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Knutsford Royal May Day.

“We take pride in being a good neighbour and supporting local communities and businesses, so we were keen to help ensure this treasured local tradition could continue in 2023.

“We will have a stand at the event and we are keen to meet as many of our neighbours as we can, so please do come and say hello.”