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A new exhibition titled “Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography” is set to captivate audiences at The King’s Gallery in Buckingham Palace. This expansive showcase, opening on Friday, offers a profound look into the British royal family through the lens of portrait photography over the last century. With more than 150 photographic prints, proofs, and documents, many of which have never been seen by the public, the exhibition promises an unprecedented glimpse into royal life.
The exhibition, curated by Allesandro Nasini, senior curator of photographs at the Royal Collection Trust, traverses the evolution of royal portraiture from the high society glamour of the 1920s to the contemporary digital age marked by the 2023 coronation of King Charles III. It uniquely juxtaposes the 1923 engagement portrait of Prince Albert and Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon—later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth—with the 2023 official coronation portrait of King Charles, illustrating a century’s span right at the outset.
Among the highlights is a vibrant 1985 screenprint of Queen Elizabeth II by Andy Warhol, based on an earlier portrait but embellished with Warhol’s signature colorful style and “diamond dust,” which consists of fine crushed glass particles, adding a unique texture and shimmer to the piece. This piece not only pays homage to the late monarch but also bridges the gap between traditional and modern artistic expressions.
Visitors will also find wartime images that offer a stark contrast to the glamour, capturing the royal family in moments of national significance. Cecil Beaton, a renowned society photographer, contributes significantly to this historical narrative with his evocative images of the royal family, including Princess Margaret.
Adding a contemporary touch, the exhibition includes a 40th-birthday portrait of Kate, the Princess of Wales, displayed alongside a painting of a previous Princess of Wales, Alexandra of Denmark, that inspired Kate’s portrait. This parallel not only highlights the continuity within the royal family but also underscores the evolving role of portraiture in shaping public perceptions.
Photographs by notable photographers like Annie Leibovitz, David Bailey, and Rankin are also featured, each bringing their unique perspective to the royal subjects. Their work complements the historical pieces, offering a modern interpretation of royal iconography.
“Royal Portraits: A Century of Photography” is not just an exhibition but a dialogue across time, reflecting how the mediums of portrayal and the subjects themselves have transformed over a century. It’s a testament to the enduring allure of the royal family, viewed through the prism of both private moments and public duties.
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