Crowning glory

A rare historic “peepshow” commemorating Queen Victoria’s Coronation is due to go on display in the new Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries when they open in Westminster Abbey in 2018.

The pocket-sized book of coloured cut-outs – the “virtual reality” devices of the 19th century – is just 15cm high. It has been unfolded to create a 3D view of the royal ceremony, complete with Queen Victoria in her robes and the gothic arches of the Abbey. It is currently undergoing specialist paper conservation.