As part of the Gallery’s Jubilee celebrations, our Youth Forum delved into our Collection to explore some of the portraits we house of Queen Elizabeth II. Discover the works below that they particularly connected with, as we look back on 70 years of the Queen’s reign.
Image credit: Queen Elizabeth II by John Plimmer bromide print, 1965 NPG x125280 © reserved; collection National Portrait Gallery, London
Selected by Holly
Youth Forum member Holly chose this portrait of Queen Elizabeth II taken in 1960s Germany, with her highlighting: “I really like how John Plimmer has captured the joyful facial expression of Queen Elizabeth. The composition is central and the lines of the window and curtains frame Elizabeth's face, we are instantly drawn to her smile.”
Image credit: Queen Elizabeth II by David Bailey ink jet print on paper, 2014 NPG P1982 © David Bailey
Selected by Rose
This 2014 portrait of Queen Elizabeth II was taken by David Bailey, with Youth Forum member Rose selecting the image due to the striking shades of blue. She also added how she loved, “the quiet confidence and feeling of contentment in this portrait.”
Image credit: Queen Elizabeth II published by James Valentine & Sons Ltd bromide postcard print, 4 November 1952 NPG x138886 © National Portrait Gallery, London
Selected by Ruby and Tarami
This post card print features an image from 1952, taken a few months after Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne. Selected by Youth Forum member Ruby, she told us how, “The portrait evokes royalty and glamour, yet allows audience to view the Queen in a more personal light due to the image being focused on her head and shoulder.” She highlighted how this more personal focus enables us “to see her bright facial expression and feel a sense of connection and understanding that can otherwise be lost when the portrait is focused solely on her role as a monarch.”
Tarami also selected this portrait, having found the image very calming. She noted, “I think it captures the essence of the Queen quite well. It may seem like a simple photo of her but I find it very inviting and friendly.”
Image credit: Wedding of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (Queen Elizabeth II; Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh) by Bassano Ltd whole-plate glass negative, 20 November 1947 NPG x105247 © National Portrait Gallery, London
Selected by: Freya
This photograph of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip was taken on their wedding day, and offers a glimpse into their relationship. Youth Forum member Freya chose this portrait as, “seeing the couple young and in love on their wedding day makes them seem more like everyday people. Also I think seeing Elizabeth in a classic white wedding dress but knowing that she holds power at the same time is a really accessible and empowering feminist message.”
Image credit: 'The Royal Family: A Centenary Portrait' by John Wonnacott oil on canvas on foamboard, 2000 NPG 6479 © John Wonnacott / National Portrait Gallery, London
Selected by: Eve
This painting was commissioned by the Gallery in 2000 to mark the Queen Mother’s 100th birthday, and includes four generations of royals. Selected by Youth Forum member Eve, she describes how, “The colours are vibrant and speak to me as a viewer and reflect the Queen’s great rule and role within her own family (not only outward-looking to the nation).”
Explore more about the portraits selected by the Youth Forum in our new film celebrating the Platinum Jubilee
Looking to learn more about our Youth Forum?
This group of 14-21 year olds collaborate to shape the offer of our Gallery, as we work with them on new ideas for interpretation and display, activities and resources for young people and reviews of our exhibitions. If you’d like to get involved with the Youth Forum, you can find out more about the group on our website and follow @NPGYouth on social media for updates.