Historical information

Portrait photographs of royal figures were hung in government offices and buildings. In some cases they were also displayed in homes. There are numerous portraits of Queen Elizabeth II most of which have been widely reproduced.

Physical description

Framed portrait photograph of Queen Elizabeth II, taken June 2, 1954, by Cecil Beaton. Although the image appears at first glance to be set in Westminster Abbey, the photographer actually employed a theatrical backdrop for the photo, which was taken in a drawing room at Buckingham Palace. Her Majesty wears the imperial state crown, created for Queen Victoria’s 1838 coronation, and holds the orb and scepter, looking every bit the picture of reigning British royalty.