The Silver Jubilee Tattoo – Aldershot RE392578

The Silver Jubilee Tattoo – Aldershot, 1935

A Commemorative Spectacle of Empire, Honour, and Pageantry

Beneath a bannered sky and before the storied walls of castle and crown, this 1935 programme cover for the Silver Jubilee Tattoo in Aldershot captures the spirit of an empire united in martial splendour and historical pageantry. Designed by the esteemed Ernest Ibbetson, the poster is both artwork and announcement — a vibrant ceremonial invitation to one of Britain’s most grand military spectacles.

A Vision in Crimson, Gold, and Glory

At its heart, a knight in full armour astride a prancing white steed raises the Standard of St. George high above the crowd — a bold red cross emblazoned against the purity of his shield and horse trappings. Behind him, a cascade of regal banners unfurl — the Royal Standard in its golden lion majesty, the harp of Ireland, and the blue saltire of Scotland all waving triumphantly in the breeze.

Gathered behind the rider, a pantheon of kings, queens, nobles, and uniformed officers stand in reverent homage — figures drawn not only from the reigning house but from across the annals of British history. This is no ordinary parade; it is a living procession of Britannia’s martial heritage, an orchestrated tapestry of centuries.

In the background, the turreted silhouette of a fortress watches over the scene like a sentry of tradition. The palette is bold, almost theatrical — with luminous yellow skies and emerald lawns that draw the eye to the contrast of steel armour and blood-red heraldry.

Who Is This For?

This extraordinary piece is designed for the discerning admirer of:

• British military history and royal commemorations, particularly those fascinated by the rituals and regalia of the 1930s.

• Collectors of royal ephemera, especially materials tied to King George V’s Silver Jubilee — a landmark celebration of the monarch’s 25-year reign.

• Graphic designers and poster enthusiasts, drawn to the illustrative exuberance and compositional strength of interwar British art.

• Interior stylists and Anglophiles, seeking a commanding centrepiece for a study, library, or traditional English drawing room.

About the Event

Held in the military town of Aldershot, the Silver Jubilee Tattoo was a spectacle of unrivalled pomp. Combining massed bands, cavalry charges, precision drill, and dramatic battle re-enactments, it was at once a celebration of loyalty and a proud reaffirmation of imperial pageantry in the twilight years before World War II.

This official programme cover, priced at sixpence in its day, survives as a vibrant emblem of that fleeting moment — when the knightly virtues of old were not just remembered, but re-enacted in all their chivalric grandeur.

Print Details

• Premium heavyweight poster printed on 200 gsm semi-gloss silk paper

• Humidity and scratch resistant for longevity in archival or domestic display

• Crafted with precision and reverence in the United Kingdom

• Ideal for framing and suitable for any heritage-themed interior or British historical collection

“Let this print summon the gallop of pageantry and the pride of empire — a moment when history marched and the crowd cheered for kings, for country, and for continuity.”
— David Harrison