Queen Elizabeth II; Queen Mary

1 portrait of Queen Elizabeth II

© National Portrait Gallery, London

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Queen Elizabeth II; Queen Mary

by Vandyk
whole-plate glass negative, 24 October 1931
Given by Bassano & Vandyk Studios, 1974
Photographs Collection
NPG x130813

Sittersback to top

  • Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), Reigned 1952-2022. Sitter associated with 972 portraits.
  • Queen Mary (1867-1953), Queen consort of King George V. Sitter associated with 404 portraits.

Artistback to top

  • Vandyk (active 1881-1947), Photographer. Artist or producer associated with 662 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Princess Elizabeth, seen here with her grandmother Queen Mary, is dressed as a bridesmaid for the wedding of Lady May Cambridge and Captain Henry Abel Smith. The ceremony was attended by many members of the royal family headed by Queen Mary (the aunt of the bride). The ceremony was held in the Church of St Mary, Balcome, Sussex and the official wedding group photographs, also in the National Portrait Gallery, were taken by Vandyk.

Placesback to top

Subjects & Themesback to top

Events of 1931back to top

Current affairs

Sailors at the Invergordon naval base mutiny in response to pay cuts. The cuts of up to 25% were part of the government's attempt to deal with the Great Depression by reducing public spending. Sailors protested by holding meetings and refusing orders.
Dr Harold Moody founds the League of Coloured Peoples, lobbying for equal rights for black people in Britain and for international civil rights.

Art and science

The modern tube map is introduced. Harry Beck's design was unique in following the properties of a circuit diagram rather than the geographical location of the stations.
The Vic-Wells Ballet company is founded by Dame Ninette de Valois and housed by Lilian Baylis at Sadler's Wells Theatre. It was granted a Royal Charter in 1957 and became the Royal Ballet.

International

The Second Spanish Republic is established. Following an election dominated by the Republicans, King Alfonso XIII abdicated and a new constitution was drawn up.
The Statute of Westminster grants legislative equality to the self-governing Dominions of the British Empire. The Statue decreed that the British Government could no longer make ordinary law for the dominions unless it was at their request and with their consent.

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