Queen Elizabeth II; King George VI; Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother; Princess Margaret

Sittersback to top

• Queen Elizabeth II (1926-), Queen regnant. Sitter associated with 742 portraits.
• Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother (1900-2002), Queen of George VI. Sitter associated with 452 portraits.
• King George VI (1895-1952), Reigned 1936-52. Sitter associated with 420 portraits.
• Princess Margaret (1930-2002), Daughter of George VI; Countess of Snowdon. Sitter associated with 228 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Marcus Adams (1875-1959), Photographer. Artist of 61 portraits, Sitter associated with 5 portraits.

This portraitback to top

The shy and sensitive younger brother of Edward VIII, George VI had been prepared from birth for a life of public service but not for the throne. Undoubtedly the abdication of his brother was a shock to him, and he came to the throne a man who had 'never seen a State Paper'. The whole of his reign was overshadowed by the Second World War and its after-effects, and he brought to the monarchy at a crucial time an innate good sense, great courage and an unswerving sense of duty. During the war years he and his family were a powerful symbol of national unity and stability. This portrait of the Royal family includes their pet corgi Dookie who was lured into the composition with a biscuit placed on the king's shoe.

Linked publicationsback to top

• Gittings, Clare, Portraits of Queen Elizabeth I: An Educational Resource Pack, 2003
• Rogers, Malcolm, Camera Portraits, 1989 (accompanying the exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery from 20 October 1989 - 21 January 1990), p. 237
• Saywell, David; Simon, Jacob, Complete Illustrated Catalogue, 2004, p. 733

Portrait setback to top

• Royal family and prominent people: photographs by Marcus Adams, Bertram Park and others, 1910-56

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Art in art
• Chandeliers
• Children
• Family portraits
• Group portraits
• Pets and animals