Metropolitan Police Service – Coffin Drape

Specialised Canvas Services were recently commissioned to produce a very special one-off coffin drape for the Metropolitan Police Service. This will be held in store and used for a death in service on special, high profile occasions.

The drape was made from a rich, dark blue heavy poly-cotton material with the Metropolitan Police crest being elaborately and sumptuously hand embroidered using a combination of both gold and silver bullion thread.

It really is an absolute work of art and has something of a ‘wow’ factor. The glimmering crest is huge and occupies a large part of the drape, itself 12 feet long and just over five feet wide. The crest incorporates The King Edward crown, itself embroidered and requiring real skill and patience, with the MPS shield below. The crown  includes a set of artificial precious stones which complete the overall effect.

Understandably, with such intricate and complex stitching required and as a job which deserved the full attention and concentration of those who worked on it, over 200 hours were spent ensuring the result was one to be proud of. This was the first of its kind and is therefore unique.

Indeed, Trevor Mannion, Operations Manager for the Metropolitan Police Service was suitably impressed as the drape was unfolded from its specially purpose-made, strengthened holdall  and revealed to him. Two of our colleagues visited the MPS offices to deliver the valuable drape in person, which was appreciated.