Buckingham Palace - Platinum Jubilee Exhibition

Photo by Dorothy Wilding

Visitors can enjoy a royal day out at Buckingham Palace, with the opportunity to traverse the State Apartments enjoying their sumptuous treasures, before viewing the Accession exhibition of Dorothy Wilding's iconic photographs of Her Majesty in the East Gallery.

The exhibition marks the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Jewels from the Queen's personal collection are exhibited for the first time. A sparkling array of Her Majesty's dazzling diamonds from her personal collection are showcased here.

Tiaras such as the Vladimir tiara made for the Grand Duchess Vladimir of Russia which was sold to Queen Mary and the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara of 1893, a wedding gift to Queen Mary, who in turn presented it to Princess Elizabeth on her marriage in 1947 are exquisitely crafted. The robe and coronet Princess Elizabeth wore at her father's coronation are also displayed.

Wilding, a noted society and royal photographer, was the first female official royal photographer to be appointed, in 1937 Her portraits were the basis for the Queen's image on British coins and postage stamps between 1952 - 1971. Canterbury based Ranald Makecknie's celebratory photograph this year depicting the Queen sitting on a window seat at Windsor Castle, radiant in a pale blue bejewelled coat and dress is also featured.

Parts of the grounds can also be explored at leisure offering the chance to sit by the lake and reflect. They are a peaceful haven in the midst of the metropolis. Afternoon Tea can be enjoyed on the terrace and a kiosk in the grounds sells delicious ice cream including the Jubilee special of strawberry and champagne. The private gardens and tennis court where George V1 played against Fred Perry can be viewed on extra payment. It is a shame these cannot be viewed separately on a general garden tour as it would be less exhausting than viewing everything on one visit.

A festive banquet made entirely of felt greets the visitor as you arrive at the Ambassadors Entrance and the Marble Entrance Hall. Lucy Sparrow created this realistic looking feast which it was seen on TV at The Oval's Platinum lunch attended by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall over the Jubilee weekend.

Progressing to the Throne Room symbols of the United Kingdom are depicted on the ceiling and the floor. The thrones used at the Coronation in 1953 take centre stage. A painting by Nicky Philips in 2013 depicts the Queen in her Garter robe surrounded by her beloved Corgis.

A carving of Inuits by Canadian artist Mark Parkinson is displayed in the Vestibule and was presented by him to the Queen for the occasion of her Silver Jubilee during the Commonwealth Tour of Ottawa, in 1977. Made in soapstone the Inuits stand in a circle around a hide trampoline, which normally has a baby on it. A number of other distinctive gifts from royal tours add diverse interest to the sumptuous surroundings.

An amazing Sevres porcelain table in the Blue Drawing Room was made for Napoleon in 1806 depicting the heads of great military leaders from antiquity encircling Alexander the Great in the centre. It was presented it to George 1V by Louis XV111.

The Picture Gallery has a rich selection of the finest art by Rembrandt, Rubens, Titian and Canaletto to name but a few. Recently many were exhibited at the Queen's Gallery whilst re- ordering of the State Apartments took place. It is good to see these masterpieces back in situ. Five vibrant 17th century tapestry panels depicting popular Biblical scenes from the Barberini workshop in Rome also adorn the walls. 'The Massacre of the Innocents' , 'The Rest on the Flight into Egypt' , 'The Adoration of the Magi', 'Penance (Christ in the House of Simon') and 'The Annunciation of the Virgin', are in a remarkable state of preservation.

The White Drawing Room, reputed to be Her Majesty's favourite, is smaller and more intimate than the other state apartments .and the royal family often gather here before events. The Queen has used it to deliver her Christmas Speech too. There is a hidden door behind a mirror from which she emerges from her private apartments .Fabulous chandelier and white and gold decor make this room sparkle.

It is truly a fabulous day out to celebrate our longest reigning monarch at her London residence. Throughout extremely helpful stewards are only too happy to answer queries as apart from the exhibition most items are unlabelled as this is a working Palace and a royal residence. Excellent accessibility for those with mobility issues.

Until 2 October, Mondays,Thursday -Sundays 10- 7. Plus selected dates winter and spring.

For tickets see: www.rct.uk/visit/buckinghampalace