THE STORY BEHIND Edward VIII Coronation mug

DIDN’T HE ABDICATE? He did. But memorabilia already was rolling off the production lines.

THAT’S UNLUCKY. Indeed. This mug, designed by the artist Eric Ravilious, was produced by Wedgwood on the day (October 20, 1936) Stanley Baldwin, then prime minister, was confronting Edward VIII about his intentions to marry the American divorcee, Wallis Simpson.

THEN WHAT? The mugs were briefly on sale in the London Mayfair store, Dunbar Hay, where Wallis bought one just before Edward was forced to abdicate on December 11, 1936. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE REST? Ravilious asked Wedgwood to send three to his friends — Percy Horton, Diana Low and Enid Marx — for Christmas. Then the design was altered. WHERE ARE THEY NOW? United at a new exhibition: Ravilious & Co: The Pattern Of Friendship at Compton Verney Art Gallery, Warwickshire, until June 20, 2018, comptonverney.org.uk