Woburn Treasures & Faces of a Queen

12 Feb 2020 marked the unveiling of a historic moment, as the three Armada Portraits were brought together for the first time since their creation in the late 16th century. The RMG portrait was joined by The National Portrait Gallery version as well as by the Woburn Abbey portrait, kindly lent by the Duke and Duchess of Bedford alongside other key works from their collection. Curators Sue Prichard and Allison Goudie led on the rehanging of The Queen’s House collection alongside these loans to create the double display: Woburn Treasures and Faces of a Queen: The Armada Portraits of Elizabeth I

To celebrate this new era of collaboration for The Queen’s House, I was given the duty of creating a special reception.

Catering and décor was provided by Palette, with a pescatarian menu, a red and gold damask theme and floristry reflecting native flowers in bloom in the UK during the reign of Elizabeth I.

Ash Productions complimented Palettes delicate floral and candle displays with a spectacular walkway of lights from the Royal Gate to the Undercroft Doors.

Music was provided by The Queen’s Ensemble, entertaining guests with a carefully curated selection of 16th century Consort & Lutes Songs, Villancicos & Madrigals. Beautifully conducted by Tom Shorter and Dina Ipavic, the players performed in promenade, with songs inspired by significant loans from the Woburn Abbey Collection.

With a record 82% attendance rate The Great Hall was packed for opening words by Director Paddy Rodgers and NLHF representative Bill Ferris, followed by final remarks from Glenda Jackson CBE. Ms Jackson is a Greenwich local, former Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate, and famously played Elizabeth I in the 1971 film Mary, Queen of Scots.

Photography by Max Alexander, © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich