In honour of Queen Elizabeth II becoming the longest reigning British monarch ever, Sotheby’s is staging a month-long programme of exhibitions, events and auctions. Until 15 June, the Bond Street galleries will host specially curated exhibitions of royal portraits, rare aristocratic jewels and important manuscripts, including works loaned from prestigious private collections.
Must-see treasures include the iconic Armada Portrait of Queen Elizabeth I on loan from The Woburn Abbey Collection and a rare Warhol painting of Queen Elizabeth II. Offered in British Art: The Jubilee Auction on 29 June — a sale dedicated to the very best of British art from across the centuries — is a new unique work donated by Chris Levine.
In addition to the royal-themed exhibitions and auctions, Sotheby’s has curated a diverse programme of talks, debates and musical and dramatic performances inspired by creativity in all its forms, from art, music and literature to food and fashion.
On our radar is the tiara talk on 7 June between jewellery designer Kiki McDonough and Sotheby’s expert Kristian Spofforth and the series of immersive performances by graduates of the Royal College of Dramatic Art. We also recommend snapping up a ticket for the conversation on 13th June at 6.30pm between Turner Prize-winning artist Lubaina Himid, writer Lauren Elkin, Head of Modern, Contemporary African Art at Sotheby’s Hannah O’Leary and art historian Carrie Scott. Hop to it.
Celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in right royal style at Claridge’s, often described as the ‘Annexe of Buckingham Palace’. Over the course of her 70-year reign, the Queen has celebrated numerous personal and public occasions at Claridge’s, including her 60th birthday and her ruby wedding anniversary with HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
To commemorate this joyous national milestone, Claridge’s is showcasing rarely seen treasures from its archives dating from the Queen’s 1953 Coronation. Curated by Claridge’s in-house archivist Kate Hudson, and displayed in the hotel’s lobby from 1st June, this special presentation includes an original swatch of the hand stitched and beaded fabric from the Queen’s Coronation gown and original menus and cocktail cards served at Claridge’s on Coronation Day in 1953.
Talking of cocktails, The Fumoir and Claridge’s Bar are celebrating the occasion with five new concoctions inspired by the coronation. Toast to Her Majesty with a Royal Stag or a Windsor Rose, which was originally served at Claridge’s on Coronation Day in 1953. Make sure to glimpse the parade of Union Jacks on leaving.