Queen Elizabeth II

This portrait of the young Queen Elizabeth II was painted shortly before her coronation in 1952. It was originally commissioned to hang alongside other royal portraits in Liverpool Town Hall. However, it was strongly (although not universally) felt by city officials and members of the public that the portrait was not a good likeness - her neck was thought too long and the face too bland. The painting was literally covered up with a dust sheet whilst a decision about its future was made. Ultimately, it was passed to the Walker Art Gallery where it was displayed in an exhibition entitled 'Kings and Queens of England' which was held to coincide with the Queen's coronation in 1952.