Perhaps you’ve passed by without realizing its story. The Silver Jubilee Crystal Crown is more than just a pretty sculpture. It holds a secret Hollywood past.
This impressive artwork stands as a monument to Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee in 1977. It also has an unexpected connection to Stanley Kubrick’s film “2001: A Space Odyssey”.
Originally, Stanley Plastics created this massive perspex block for Kubrick’s film. Kubrick ultimately chose a black basalt monolith instead. The transparent block was then stored away.
Arthur Fleischmann, a sculptor, recognized its potential. He was commissioned to create a piece for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee. Fleischmann carved a crown surrounded by sunburst rays into the block.
This perspex block measures about 10 feet 9 inches by 5 feet 9 inches. It is 8 inches thick. Weighing two tons, it is claimed to be the largest solid block of acrylic in the world.
The Silver Jubilee Crystal Crown was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II on June 5, 1977. It was originally housed in the roofless Coronarium Chapel at St Katharine Docks. Fleischmann even camped out under polythene while working on the Crystal Crown.
In 2000, the Coronarium was converted into a coffee shop. The Crystal Crown was then moved to the side of the Tower Hotel. Now it is part of a lightbox. It is illuminated at night.
So, next time you see the Silver Jubilee Crystal Crown, remember its journey. It went from a rejected movie prop to a royal monument. It represents both Hollywood glamour and British majesty. It’s a sparkling piece of history right here in London.