Queen Elizabeth II
48 of 90 portraits matching these criteria:
- set matching 'Photographs by Yousuf Karsh'
© Karsh / Camera Press
Queen Elizabeth II
by Yousuf Karsh
bromide print, 1951
12 7/8 in. x 14 in. (328 mm x 354 mm)
Given by the photographer, Yousuf Karsh, 1991
Primary Collection
NPG P490(25)
Sitterback to top
- Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), Reigned 1952-2022. Sitter associated with 972 portraits.
Artistback to top
- Yousuf Karsh (1908-2002), Photographer. Artist or producer associated with 159 portraits, Sitter in 2 portraits.
This portraitback to top
This portrait of the Queen was taken a year before her accession. Karsh photographed the Queen on four occasions over a period of more than forty years. These pictures have been used by press all over the world, and by the Royal Family as official and personal gifts. When recalling this portrait sitting, Karsh wrote; 'Her demeanour here is in sharp contrast to the spontaneous girl I had photographed in 1949. The young Queen would resolutely approach her lifelong duties with a keen sense of responsibility.'
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1951back to top
Current affairs
The Conservative Party wins the general election and Winston Churchill returns for a second term as prime minister.Art and science
On the centenary of the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Festival of Britain is held as a nationwide celebration of British culture, and as an impetus for post-war regeneration. As well as various art, science and industrial exhibitions and events, a major regeneration project was initiated for the South Bank area of London under the directorship of the architect, Hugh Casson.International
Libya declares its sovereignty from Italian rule, becoming the first independent state to be created by the UN.At the Treaty of San Francisco, 48 nations sign a peace treaty with Japan, officially ending the Pacific War - the last battleground of the Second World War.
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