British Museum mounts exhibit centered around early portraitist of Queen Elizabeth II

Bust of Queen Elizabeth II r., wearing laurel wreath. Reproduced by permission of the artist © The Trustees of the British Museum
Bust of Queen Elizabeth II r., wearing laurel wreath. Reproduced by permission of the artist © The Trustees of the British Museum
Bust of Queen Elizabeth II r., wearing laurel wreath. Reproduced by permission of the artist © The Trustees of the British Museum

LONDON – In celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in June, the British Museum will open a new, free display centering around artist Mary Gillick’s (1881-1965) portrait of the British royal. This portrait was for the first ever coin featuring the queen, designed 70 years ago in 1952 and issued in 1953. Mary Gillick: modelling The Queen’s portrait opens on June 2 and continues to July 31. It will showcase the production and reception of the coin, shining a light on the excitement around the young queen’s first depiction on British currency.

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