Ruth Leon recommends…Fit For a Queen – Jubilee Exhibition at the National Gallery
Ruth Leon recommendsFit For a Queen – Jubilee Exhibition at the National Gallery
Fit for a Queen: Symbols and Values of Sovereignty is a a virtual exhibition of some 28 iconic paintings at the National Gallery which we can visit on our screens to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Queen Elizabeth II is the longest reigning monarch in British history. She has witnessed many changes of government and has advised no fewer than 14 successive Prime Ministers. This year, she became the first British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, commemorating 70 years of service.
To mark this unprecedented milestone, the National Gallery has brought together 28 paintings from its collection that shed light on the notion of queenship, including portraits of female rulers from different times and countries as well as images that relate to some of the attributes most frequently associated with female monarchs past and present.
Has there been a retrospective of music composed for, dedicated to, premiered with or championed by the Queen? When we think of her coronation, how many composers participated – Walton, Arnold, Brittian, Bax, etc. 70 years is a good time to reflect on how British music has changed. It would however be interesting to hear what the Queen really thought about some of the works she and Philip had to listen to over the years. I am sure she has heard a few duds and just smiled graciously…..