The 1968 Sitting - Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II
Cecil Beaton
Gelatin silver print
Buckingham Palace
1968
Museum no. PH.1963-1987

Beaton's assistant, Geoffrey Sawyer, suggested some photographs be taken outside. Beaton noted in his diary: 'The electricians were installed with enough equipment to light an entire film unit. I gave instructions for alternative 'sets' in case the initial scene did not materialise and Geoff suggested the balcony might be good. I found a splendid Acropolis-like corner with three columns.'