.The contemporary expressionist painter, Stephen B Whatley studied at The Ipswich and Norwich Schools of Art and The University of London. As well as cityscapes and portraits, Whatley has produced several architectural paintings of major landmarks including the Tower of London, BBC Broadcasting House and Kensington Palace most of which he has painted on location.

This work, commissioned by the Royal Collection in 1999, depicts the façade of Buckingham Palace, viewed from the south side of Green Park. Crowds of tourists can be seen watching the Changing of the Guard taking place on the forecourt. The painting is typical of Whatley’s style with bright colours painted in a bold manner. Whatley produced two paintings of Buckingham Palace in 1999, both painted on location.

The painting was reproduced for advertisements promoting the Annual Summer Opening of the State Rooms in 1999 and 2000 and was used again on the programs for Her Majesty’s two Golden Jubilee concerts which were held in the gardens of Buckingham Palace in 2002.

The second painting of Buckingham Palace was commissioned by Transport for London and shows the Grand Staircase in the State Rooms. This painting was reproduced for posters on the London Underground and is now in the collection of the London Transport Museum.