Activity / challenge

Put yourself in the picture

face of old woman from John Riley's painting

John Riley, 'Bridget Holmes' (RCIN 405667) ©

We’ve selected four paintings from the Royal Collection for you to recreate at home – and you can get the whole family involved! You could simply mirror the poses, or you can get really creative and make your own backgrounds and costumes too.

You can share your recreated portraits by tweeting us @RCT or tagging us on Instagram @royalcollectiontrust. We would love to see your pictures!

Bridget Holmes (d. 1691), shown here at the reputed age of 96, was James II's 'Necessary Woman', responsible for cleaning and preparing the royal bedchamber, polishing and dusting fragile furniture and, with the assistance of other servants, laying fires,

Bridget Holmes (1591-1691) ©

This is a fun and easy one to get you started! The woman in the painting, Bridget Holmes, is said to have been 96 years old in this portrait. When she died, aged 100, she had served four different kings: Charles I, Charles II, James II and William III.

This painting is a copy of the royal family portrait painted by Franz Xaver Winterhalter in 1846 (RCIN 405413). The Queen is in evening dress and wears the ribbon and star of the Garter. Her head ornament with sapphires was probably designed by Prince Alb

The Royal Family in 1846 (after Winterhalter) ©

This painting shows Queen Victoria, Prince Albert and their five eldest children. There might not be enough of you in your family to recreate this painting – if so, why not use your favourite toys to play the parts of some of the family?

Copley, the foremost artist in colonial America, was virtually self-taught as a portraitist. Having established a successful practice in Boston, he was encouraged to visit Europe in 1774. After a year's travel he settled in London and began to specialise

John Singleton Copley, 'The Three Youngest Daughters of George III' (RCIN 401405) ©

This lovely picture shows the three youngest daughters of George III playing together with their dogs. This could be a fun picture to recreate if you have any pets – although it might be quite tricky to get them to behave! If you don’t have any pets (or if your pets are being naughty and not standing still for you to photograph!), you could use your toys or draw the animals instead.

George IV succeeded his father as King in 1820 and in August 1822 was the first reigning monarch to visit Scotland since Charles II. On 17th August he held his first levée at the Palace of Holyroodhouse when he wore full Highland dress. The success

This is a fun one to recreate, as you will only need a model and a photographer. The real challenge will be in seeing how closely you can match George IV’s Scottish outfit!