From Berliner to Buick Royal Vehicles 1905–40
In Trondheim, vehicles from the Royal Palace’s collection will be on display.
Detail from the coronation carriage, produced at O. Sørensen’s carriage factory in Kristiania (present-day Oslo), 1906. Photo: Jan Haug. The Royal Court.
Crown Prince Olav celebrated his third birthday in Trondheim on July 2, 1906, ten days after the coronation. As a present from “the school children of Trondheim” (as inscribed on the seat) he received this sled and a skin rug. Photo: Unknown. The Royal Court Photo Archive.
When King Haakon and Queen Maud arrived in Norway in 1905, the stables were empty, and the king and queen themselves had to purchase horses, carriages, and vehicles. The Royal Palace’s collection of early horse carriages includes the gala carriage that was used for the coronation in 1906. It was produced at O. Sørensen’s carriage factory in Kristiania (present-day Oslo) and showcases Norwegian craftsmanship of highest quality.
The tiny sled that school children in Trondheim gave as a present to Crown Prince Olav on his third birthday will be displayed for the first time ever. The exhibition will also feature other horse carriages as well as one or two of the first automobiles that were procured by the Royal Palace early in the previous century.