Official Portraits of Queen Elizabeth II on Display in Leeds

A Glimpse into Royal History

The Leeds City Museum is currently hosting an extraordinary exhibition featuring the official portraits of Queen Elizabeth II, captured by the renowned royal photographer Sir Cecil Beaton. Spanning over three decades, these photographs provide an intimate look at the Queen's life and her journey from a young princess to a reigning monarch.

The Early Years

Sir Cecil Beaton first photographed Queen Elizabeth II in 1942 when she was still a young princess. His ability to capture her grace and poise quickly made him a favorite among the royal family. Beaton's work includes some of the most iconic images of the Queen, including those taken on her coronation day in 1953.

The Coronation and Beyond

One of the highlights of Beaton's career was photographing Queen Elizabeth II on her coronation day. These images not only documented a historic event but also showcased Beaton's exceptional skill in portrait photography. His work continued to capture significant moments in the Queen's life, including the births of her children: Prince Charles in 1948, Princess Anne in 1950, Prince Andrew in 1960, and Prince Edward in 1964.

Beaton's Legacy

After Sir Cecil Beaton's death in 1980, his extensive archive of royal portraits was bequeathed to his secretary, Eileen Hose. In 1987, Hose generously donated the collection to the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London. This archive, now part of the V&A's permanent collection, includes over 60 photographs that offer a unique perspective on the British monarchy.

Exhibition Details

Councillor Adam Ogilvie, Leeds City Council executive member for leisure, described the exhibition as "a major coup" for Leeds. Titled "Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton - A Diamond Jubilee Celebration," the exhibition runs at Leeds City Museum from Saturday until June 24.

Exhibition Highlights

• Over 60 Photographs: The collection features more than 60 photographs, including images of the Queen with each of her newborn children.
• Historical Significance: The exhibition provides a historical context, showcasing the evolution of the Queen's public image over the years.
• Artistic Excellence: Beaton's work is celebrated for its artistic quality and its ability to capture the essence of his subjects.

Interesting Stats and Facts

• Iconic Photographer: Sir Cecil Beaton was not only a royal photographer but also a celebrated fashion photographer and costume designer. He won two Academy Awards for costume design for the films "Gigi" (1958) and "My Fair Lady" (1964) (source).
• V&A Collection: The Victoria and Albert Museum's collection includes over 100,000 photographs, making it one of the most comprehensive photography collections in the world (source).
• Royal Portraits: The tradition of royal portraiture dates back centuries, with each monarch commissioning portraits to solidify their legacy and public image. Queen Elizabeth II has been one of the most photographed monarchs in history, with thousands of official portraits taken during her reign (source).

Conclusion

The exhibition at Leeds City Museum offers a rare opportunity to explore the life and legacy of Queen Elizabeth II through the lens of Sir Cecil Beaton. With over three decades of photographs, this collection provides a unique and intimate look at one of the most iconic figures in modern history. Don't miss the chance to witness this remarkable display of royal portraiture.

For more information about the exhibition, visit the Leeds City Museum website.