Dorothy Wilding (1893-1976)
HM Queen Elizabeth II (b. 1926) 26 - 26 Feb 1952
Gelatin silver print | 20.7 x 15.8 cm (image) | RCIN 2509008
Dorothy Wilding (1893-1976)
HM Queen Elizabeth II (b. 1926) 26 - 26 Feb 1952
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A head and shoulders photographic portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II in left profile. She wears single pearl earrings and the South Africa Necklace that was a 21st birthday gift from the Government of the Union of South Africa, in 1947. Five years later it was later shortened to fifteen large stones, as shown here, probably worn for the first time, and the remaining diamonds made into a bracelet.
The first official photographic sitting with the new Queen was granted to the society photographer Dorothy Wilding. It took place on 26 February 1952, just twenty days after the accession. The Queen is wearing the South Africa Necklace which was a 21st birthday gift from the Government of the Union of South Africa, in 1947. Five years later it was later shortened to fifteen large stones, as shown here, probably worn for the first time, and the remaining diamonds made into a bracelet.
A total of fifty-nine photographs were taken by Wilding, showing The Queen dressed in a variety of gowns designed by Norman Hartnell and wearing jewellery including the Diamond Diadem. The photographs taken during this sitting and a second sitting on 15 April were the basis of The Queen's image on postage stamps from 1953 until 1971, as well as providing the official portrait of The Queen which was sent to every British embassy throughout the world.Provenance
From the Collection of HM Queen Elizabeth II
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Creator(s)
(photographer)Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Gelatin silver print
Measurements
20.7 x 15.8 cm (image)