Queen Elizabeth II
© Getty Images
Queen Elizabeth II
by Unknown photographer, for Central Press
bromide print, 9 June 1961
9 1/2 in. x 7 1/2 in. (241 mm x 189 mm) image size
Acquired, 1976
Photographs Collection
NPG x136395
Sitterback to top
- Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022), Reigned 1952-2022. Sitter associated with 972 portraits.
Artistsback to top
- Central Press, Photographers. Artist or producer associated with 104 portraits.
- Unknown photographer, Photographer. Artist or producer associated with 6584 portraits.
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 1961back to top
Current affairs
Peter Benenson's article The Forgotten Prisoners is published internationally, inspiring the founding of the human rights organisation, Amnesty International.The philosopher and peace activist Bertrand Russell is imprisoned for inciting civil disobedience during a sit down demonstration at the Ministry of Defence and Hyde Park.
The farthing coin - used in Britain for the last 7 centuries - ceases to be legal tender.
Art and science
Rudolf Nureyev defects from the USSR fearing that the KGB would arrest him for being gay and for fraternising with foreigners. After seeking asylum in Paris he set up home in London at the Royal Ballet and began his famous partnership with Margot Fonteyn.The satirical magazine, Private Eye is first published.
International
The East German government erects the Berlin Wall, ceasing free movement between East and West Berlin. The barrier prevented citizens of Soviet controlled East Germany from crossing the border into West Germany to work, or to defect.Yuri Gagarin, the soviet cosmonaut, becomes the first man in space orbiting the earth on the 12th April.
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