Jim Frecklington, best known as the world's last royal coachmaker, has almost finished a 3-tonne gold-leaf embossed carriage for King Charles III despite undergoing treatment for cancer.
Staring up at his latest project, a vehicle reminiscent of a fairytale, Jim Frecklington creates a mental "to-do" list, knowing time is against him.
Born in Peak Hill in central-west New South Wales, Mr Frecklington's connection with the British Royal Family started when he worked in their London equestrian stables. The King's Carriage, as it is informally known, was meant to carry Charles III during his coronation in 2023.ABC Illawarra: Justin HuntsdaleBut as he battled the effects of treatment, Mr Frecklington found he could not meet the deadline, so the Diamond Jubilee carriage was instead polished up for the occasion.
While he bares the outlay for what he calls the "priceless" King's Carriage, he has not worked alone, with a talented group of artisans forming part of his team.ABC Illawarra: Justin HuntsdaleOwen Webb is a car-body painter based in the New South Wales town of Moss Vale and has contributed toHe was responsible for covering the King's Carriage in two tones of thick, glossy paint.
"I've been very privileged to be given the job … because I think it's one of the special things to come out of Australia," she said.Metal spinning is a rare art form in modern times.
King's Carriage Owen Webb Tony Edwards Paula Church Carriage Maker Royal Family King Charles Coronation Kind Charles Royal Carriage Artisan Royal Coach Coachmaker Royal Coachmaker
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