Collections

Her Majesty the Queen

Artist: Paulin, George Henry, ARSA · 1888-1962

The pose and what Her Majesty is wearing bears very strong resemblance to the series of official photographs taken by Dorothy Wilding (1893-1976) on 1952-02-26 (NPG x34835; x34854-56 inc; x76286; x44641; x138879-83 inc, etc) several of which were reproduced as colour postcards by Raphael Tuck & Sons. This was the first official sitting given by the new Monarch and took place just 20 days after her accession. The only noticeable difference is that in the photographs the sash over the left shoulder is caught under the top fold of the neckline of the dress, whereas in the present work it sits on top. The George IV Diadem, also known as the State or Diamond Diadem was made in 1820 for King George IV's coronation the following year by the London Goldsmiths Rundell Bridge and Rundell and was probably designed by their master designer Philip Liebart at a cost of £8,126. Also known as the state, or offiically, a sthe Diamond Diadem it has been worn by Queens ever since. It is that worn by Queen Victoria on the Penny Black and other early stamp issues and was worn by her Majesty on her journey to Westminster Abbey for her Coronation on 1953-06-03, as well as on her journeys to the State Opening of Parliament ever since. The Nizam of Hyderabad diamond necklace was modelled by Cartier in 1930 and was a Wedding present to Her Majesty for her marriage to HRH Prince Philip Mountbatten in 1947.