PORTRAITS of Queen Elizabeth II have been projected onto one of London’s most recognisable landmarks in celebration of the monarch’s Platinum Jubilee.
Marble Arch London BID partnered with the National Portrait Gallery and Art of London, supported by English Heritage and Westminster City Council, to light up Marble Arch with a gallery of some of the portraits of Queen Elizabeth II from throughout her life.
The National Portrait Gallery selected six portraits of Queen Elizabeth II from its collection which were projected onto Marble Arch.
These included Dorothy Wilding’s portraits of the Queen ahead of her wedding day in 1947 and Pietro Annigoni’s 1969 painting of the Queen in full regal robes.
The final image was David Bailey’s 2014 portrait, which was originally commissioned by The Great Britain & Northern Ireland campaign, to celebrate the Queen’s 88th birthday.
Dr Nicholas Cullinan, Director of the National Portrait Gallery, said: “The National Portrait Gallery is home to the largest collection of portraits in the world, and over a thousand of those images depict Her Majesty the Queen.
“While our building is closed as the Gallery undergoes a major transformation, and on the occasion of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, we are delighted to be bringing some of the most iconic portraits spanning the Queen’s unprecedented 70-year reign into such a prominent public space.”
The relationship between Marble Arch and the Royal Family dates back to the monument’s commissioning in 1828 where King George IV selected architect, John Nash’s design for a grandiose gateway for Buckingham Palace and to celebrate British victories in the Napoleonic Wars.
Despite being moved from Buckingham Palace to its current location in the early 1850s, Marble Arch has hosted numerous royal processions including Queen Elizabeth II’s own coronation procession in 1953.
Kay Buxton, Chief Executive, Marble Arch London BID said: “Marble Arch and the Royal Family have a long and unique relationship, from the monument’s original creation to it being a central part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation, it has been at the forefront of countless Royal and national events.
“We therefore thought of no better tribute than using Marble Arch to honour the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
“Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-year reign has seen the transformation of London from a city still recovering from the aftermath of World War II to a vibrant, international city which attracts visitors from around the globe.
“Many of these visitors take in Marble Arch during their time in London to learn more about the monument’s history and its relationship with the Royal Family and we are looking forward to welcoming those who come to visit the landmark during the Jubilee celebration weekend.”
