This magnificent genuine colour photograph from 1953 captures a spectacular view of the Queen’s Beasts and the temporary Coronation Annexe outside Westminster Abbey during the celebrations surrounding the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. A long line of heraldic sculptures stands before the striking modern façade, while crowds of visitors gather along the pavement to admire the decorations. The photograph provides a wonderful record of the extraordinary pageantry that transformed Westminster Abbey for one of Britain’s most memorable royal occasions.
The ten Queen’s Beasts were commissioned by the Ministry of Works for the Coronation, held at Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953. Designed and sculpted by James Woodford OBE RA, each creature stood approximately six feet high and represented an important branch of the Queen’s royal ancestry. The collection included the Lion of England, Griffin of Edward III, Falcon of the Plantagenets, Black Bull of Clarence, Yale of Beaufort, White Lion of Mortimer, White Greyhound of Richmond, Red Dragon of Wales, Unicorn of Scotland and White Horse of Hanover. Each sculpture carried a brilliantly coloured heraldic shield associated with the royal family or dynasty it represented.
Dominating the photograph is the impressive Coronation Annexe, a temporary structure designed by Eric Bedford, Chief Architect of the Ministry of Works. Built outside the western entrance to Westminster Abbey, the annexe provided an assembly area for the elaborate ceremonial processions before they entered the Abbey for the Coronation service. Its striking façade featured an extensive arrangement of rectangular glass panels decorated with blue floral emblems, representing the national flowers of Britain. Above the windows was a row of sculpted heraldic shields, while the ancient Gothic architecture of Westminster Abbey rose dramatically behind the modern structure.
The contrast between the annexe and the historic Abbey is one of the most fascinating aspects of the photograph. The clean lines, pale surfaces and geometric windows reflect the influence of contemporary post-war architecture, while the heraldic sculptures and royal emblems celebrate centuries of British tradition. The result was a remarkable combination of modern design and historic ceremonial symbolism, created specifically for the Coronation celebrations.
The photograph also provides a delightful record of everyday life in Coronation-year London. Visitors of all ages gather outside the annexe, wearing characteristic early-1950s fashions, including tailored suits, summer dresses, smart hats and colourful coats. The crowds appear to be examining the Queen’s Beasts and the decorative building at close quarters, demonstrating how the Coronation decorations became attractions in their own right. The annexe remained open to the public for several months after the ceremony, giving visitors an opportunity to experience part of the setting created for the historic occasion.
Although intended as temporary decorations, the original Queen’s Beasts survived long after the Coronation. Following their removal from Westminster Abbey, they were displayed at Hampton Court Palace and subsequently transferred to Windsor Castle in 1957. In 1959, the collection was presented to Canada, where the original sculptures are now preserved at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec. A second set, carved in Portland stone by James Woodford, was installed at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in 1956 and can still be admired outside the Palm House.
The Coronation Annexe itself was dismantled following the celebrations, leaving Westminster Abbey’s historic western frontage once again exposed. The temporary building and its extraordinary decorations therefore survive principally through contemporary photographs and archive records. This image is particularly valuable because it captures the complete architectural setting, rather than concentrating on an individual Queen’s Beast, providing a rare opportunity to appreciate the scale and appearance of the installation in 1953.
More than simply a fascinating historical photograph, this beautifully detailed image makes a distinctive piece of wall art for the home, office or workplace. The extraordinary combination of royal heraldry, striking architecture and colourful 1950s street life is almost guaranteed to attract attention and spark conversation. It also makes a thoughtful and unusual gift for that hard-to-buy-for friend or relative, particularly anyone interested in the British Royal Family, Westminster Abbey, heraldry, Coronation history or nostalgic views of London. A unique alternative to conventional wall art, bringing a genuine moment of British history into everyday surroundings.
Reproduced from a genuine vintage colour photograph in the Places Remembered archive — not artificially coloured or AI-generated — this historic London wall art preserves the magnificent decorations and festive atmosphere associated with Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation in 1953.
Genuine Vintage Colour Photography, Carefully Restored
Every Places Remembered print begins with a genuine vintage colour slide or negative from our private photographic archive. These are real photographs of real places, captured decades ago on colour film. We do not artificially colourise black-and-white photographs. The colours were present in the original images, rather than invented afterwards.
To bring these historic photographs back to life, we use modern digital restoration techniques, including AI-assisted enhancement, to improve sharpness, colour, brightness and clarity, and reduce dust, scratches and other age-related imperfections.
Our aim is restoration, not reinvention. We do not deliberately add or remove people, buildings, vehicles or other features, or dramatically alter scenes simply to make them more appealing. We may brighten a dull sky, enhance faded colours or improve clarity, but we strive to preserve the original photograph's historical character rather than create an idealised version of the past. AI-assisted enhancement can occasionally affect small details, even when that is not intended.
History is important to us. We're not trying to change it, but to preserve it through careful restoration. Our prints reproduce genuine historical colour photographs, not AI-generated recreations.
Whether you choose a photographic poster, a ready-to-hang canvas or a wood-framed print, the same authentic vintage photograph is at the heart of every option.
Three Ways to Enjoy Your Favourite Photograph
Our vintage photographs are available in three different print formats, allowing you to choose the presentation, finish and price that best suits your home.
Premium Matte Photographic Posters
Our photographic posters offer an affordable way to enjoy genuine vintage photography without compromising on print quality. Each photograph is reproduced on premium heavyweight 200 gsm (80 lb) white matte paper, giving it a substantial, high-quality feel.
The smooth, uncoated paper has a luxuriously soft finish and a non-reflective surface, helping to reproduce the rich colors and fine details of the original photograph without distracting reflections. At approximately 0.26 mm thick, it is considerably more substantial than ordinary lightweight poster paper.
Posters are supplied unframed and are sent rolled in a tube, making them an excellent choice if you already own a suitable frame or prefer to select your own framing style. They are also ideal for gifts, gallery walls and collections of several photographs.
Printed on FSC-certified or equivalent sustainably sourced paper.
Premium Ready-to-Hang Canvas Prints
Our premium canvas prints offer a more traditional wall-art presentation, with a subtly textured surface that adds depth and character to each vintage photograph. Printed on a durable 300–350 gsm cotton-polyester blend canvas, they reproduce the rich colors and fine details of the original image while providing the distinctive look and feel of canvas artwork.
The canvas has a beautiful matte, low-reflection finish that looks attractive under a wide range of lighting conditions. Unlike traditional framed prints, there is no glass or plexiglass covering the image, so you can enjoy the photograph without distracting reflections from windows or overhead lighting.
Each print is carefully stretched over a slim 2 cm (approximately 3/4-inch) wooden frame, made using responsibly sourced FSC-certified wood. The slim profile creates a clean, understated appearance that suits both traditional and contemporary interiors.
The photograph is softly mirrored around the edges, allowing the image to continue naturally around the sides without cropping important details from the front. Each canvas also includes a fitted sawtooth hanging bracket, so it can be displayed straight from the box.
Premium Wood-Framed Photographic Prints
For a beautifully finished presentation, our framed photographic prints combine premium heavyweight matte paper with a durable genuine pine wood frame. Each photograph is protected behind shatterproof plexiglass, helping to guard against dust and accidental damage while keeping the image clearly visible.
The photograph is printed on heavyweight 200 gsm (80 lb) white matte paper with a smooth, luxurious, non-reflective surface. The paper measures approximately 0.22 mm thick and reproduces the colors and fine details of the original vintage photograph beautifully.
The wooden frame has a slim, elegant profile, measuring approximately 20–25 mm deep and 10–14 mm wide. It complements the photograph without overpowering it, making these framed prints suitable for a wide range of interiors.
Choose from Black, White or Natural Wood frame finishes to suit your decor. Every framed print includes a hanging kit and arrives ready to display, making it a convenient choice for homes, offices, gifts and hospitality interiors.
The heavyweight paper is made using FSC-certified materials or equivalent. The protective plexiglass may produce some reflections depending on the lighting conditions in your room.
Which Print Format Is Right for You?
All three options reproduce the same genuine vintage photograph, but each offers a different look and presentation.
| Feature | Poster | Canvas | Framed Print |
|---|---|---|---|
| Print Material | Premium matte paper | Textured cotton-polyester canvas | Premium matte paper |
| Material Weight | 200 gsm | 300–350 gsm | 200 gsm |
| Finish | Smooth matte | Textured matte | Smooth matte |
| Presentation | Unframed | Stretched over wood | Solid pine frame |
| Protective Glazing | None | None | Shatterproof plexiglass |
| Ready to Hang | No | Yes | Yes |
| Frame Colours | Not applicable | Not applicable | Black, White, Natural Wood |
Posters are ideal if you want an affordable photographic print or prefer your own framing. Canvas prints offer a textured, low-reflection appearance without glass. Framed prints provide an elegant, ready-to-hang presentation with protective plexiglass.
From Our Original Photographic Archive
Every print is reproduced from a genuine vintage colour photograph in our own private archive. We own the original slides or negatives and the rights to the images, making these photographs exclusive to Places Remembered.
Wherever possible, our photographs are scanned directly from the original film, then carefully restored with digital tools, including AI-assisted enhancement. The original scenes were photographed in colour; they are not modern illustrations, artificially colourised black-and-white photographs or AI-generated recreations.
These are genuine moments from the past, carefully preserved and reproduced for today's walls.
Choose the Perfect Size
Whether you are decorating a smaller room or creating a striking feature wall, all three print formats are available in three sizes.
12×18" 30×45 cm
A versatile choice for bedrooms, kitchens, home offices, smaller walls and thoughtful gifts.
16×24" 40×60 cm
Ideal for creating a focal point in living rooms, bedrooms, offices and gallery walls.
24×36" 60×90 cm
Perfect above sofas, fireplaces and beds, or anywhere you want a historic photograph to become a conversation piece.
All sizes are approximate. The dimensions refer to the printed artwork. The overall external dimensions of framed prints will be slightly larger due to the frame.
Bulk Discount Available
Buying several prints for your home, workplace, vacation rental or hospitality interior? Purchase five or more prints and receive 15% off your order.
Our vintage photographic prints are also well suited to gift shops, cafés, hotels, restaurants, galleries and businesses looking for distinctive historic wall art.
Made to Order with Free Shipping
Every photographic poster, canvas and framed print is produced individually to order. This avoids unnecessary stock and ensures that each print is made specifically for you.
We offer free shipping to the USA and UK. Please allow approximately 7–14 days for production and delivery, although times may vary depending on the destination and print format.
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