Portraits of British queens from Mary I through to Elizabeth II drawn from private collections are to go on show together for what is believed the first time for the platinum jubilee celebrations.
The Armada portrait of Elizabeth I, commemorating the failed invasion of England by Spain in 1588, a rare contemporary painting of Mary I, and Andy Warhol’s 1985 richly coloured image of the present-day monarch are among highlights of the free exhibition on each of the seven queens regnant of Britain, held at the London auction house Sotheby’s from 28 May to 15 June.
Also on display will be a panoply of 50 tiaras lent by aristocratic houses of UK and European provenance, charting the history of the stately jewellery from the late 18th century when it was introduced to courtly fashion by Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress Josephine. It includes an impressive diamond tiara from the 1880s, with ornate scrollwork and foliate detailing, and an exquisite turquoise cabochon and diamond tiara by Van Cleef & Arpels from the 1960s.
The exhibitions form part of a jubilee arts festival by Sotheby’s, a partner of the jubilee pageant, in conjunction with the luxury carmaker Aston Martin.
As well as music and performing arts events, speakers will include the actor Joanna Lumley, the author Michael Morpurgo and the historian Tristram Hunt.
A display of rare manuscripts will feature the death warrant of Thomas Percy, the 7th Earl of Northumberland, signed by Elizabeth I and sealed with her privy seal, which is being loaned from Alnwick Castle.
A group of three royal bindings for Elizabeth I, Queen Anne and Elizabeth II will be on view from Wormsley Library. These include Archbishop Matthew Parker’s binding for Elizabeth I with her crest on the cover, an embroidered Bible in silver and gold threads with Queen Anne’s crowned initials on the cover, and a finely bound coronation Bible for Elizabeth II, one of 25 special copies used at the Queen’s coronation on 2 June 1953.
The series of events culminates in a jubilee auction on 29 June, dedicated to the best of British art from the old masters through to 20th-century giants and some of the greatest artists still working today.
The sale will include a new work of the Queen donated by Chris Levine, proceeds from which will benefit the pageant.
“Britain has long been known for its creativity and the Queen has been at the helm of this throughout her reign – both as custodian of a world-class collection and the inspiration for artists, designers and more,” said Frances Christie, the deputy chair of Sotheby’s UK and Ireland.
“Her Majesty will become the first British monarch to celebrate 70 years of service, the perfect opportunity for Sotheby’s, with our unique position at the helm of both art and luxury, to celebrate creativity in all its forms, art, music, literature, food, fashion and performing arts.”
Details for bookings and of further events can be found at www.sothebys.com/jubilee.
