Queen Elizabeth II

1 portrait matching these criteria:

- subject matching 'Jewellery - Crowns and tiaras'
- 'Image on website'

© Karsh / Camera Press

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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

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.'

Linked displays and exhibitionsback 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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