Queen Elizabeth II By Cecil Beaton: A Diamond Jubilee Celebration

Posted: 15/02/12

Philippa Warr

Follow: Cecil Beaton, Diamond Jubilee, In The Know, Portraits, Queen Elizabeth II, Royal Family, The Queen, VA, Victoria And Albert Museum

To celebrate the Queen's diamond jubilee, the V&A museum is hosting a special exhibition of Sir Cecil Beaton's royal family photographs.

Queen Elizabeth II by Cecil Beaton: A Diamond Jubilee Celebration The Next Generation - Queen Elizabeth II & Prince Andrew by Cecil Beaton. Courtesy of V&A

The then-Princess Elizabeth first sat for Beaton in 1942 and, over the following three decades, his images helped shape the public's perception of the monarchy.

A much-admired fashion photographer and portraitist, Beaton brought a touch of Hollywood glamour and regal splendour to the royals (especially in his coronation portrait of Elizabeth) as well as bringing out their more private side. Tender portraits of the Queen watching over her baby son, Prince Charles added a more relatable dimension to the Crown.

The exhibition is at the V&A until 22 April and then spends the rest of 2012 on tour (Leeds, Norwich, Dundee, Tyne & Wear).

Here's a preview to tickle your photographic tastebuds: