This remarkable genuine colour photograph from 1953 captures the magnificent Red Dragon of Wales, one of the ten Queen’s Beasts erected outside Westminster Abbey for the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The extraordinary heraldic sculpture, with its fierce expression, powerful claws, scaly body and elaborate wings, stands proudly holding a brilliantly coloured shield decorated with four lions. The photograph preserves a fascinating example of the magnificent artistic decorations created for one of Britain’s most memorable royal occasions.
The ten Queen’s Beasts were commissioned by the Ministry of Works especially for the Coronation, which took place at Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953. Designed and sculpted by James Woodford OBE RA, each beast stood approximately six feet high and represented an important element of Queen Elizabeth II’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.
The sculptures were positioned outside the temporary Coronation Annexe at the western entrance to Westminster Abbey, where the great ceremonial processions assembled before entering the historic church. The annexe itself was designed by architect Eric Bedford and formed part of the extensive preparations required to accommodate the thousands of guests attending the ceremony. The Queen’s Beasts provided a spectacular symbolic guard of honour, representing centuries of British royal history and the ancestry of the new monarch.
The Red Dragon of Wales has a particularly interesting heraldic history. Associated with Welsh legend and the Tudor dynasty, the dragon was adopted as a royal emblem by Henry VII, who traced his Welsh ancestry through the Tudor family. Its presence among the Queen’s Beasts represented this important connection between the Welsh princes and the British monarchy. The shield held by the dragon displays four heraldic lions arranged in quarters, the traditional arms associated with Llywelyn the Great and subsequent medieval Princes of Wales.
One of the most fascinating details of this photograph is the colour of the sculpture. Although known as the Red Dragon of Wales, the creature itself was finished in a pale stone-like appearance for the Coronation, while its heraldic shield was painted in vivid red and gold. This was a deliberate feature of the original collection, whose sculptures were largely uncoloured apart from their shields. The genuine 1953 colour photograph beautifully preserves the contrast between the pale sculpted dragon, the brilliant heraldic colours and the decorative glass panels of the temporary Coronation Annexe behind it.
The fate of the Queen’s Beasts after the Coronation is particularly interesting. Although created as temporary decorations, the original plaster sculptures survived and were subsequently displayed at Hampton Court Palace and Windsor Castle. In 1959, the collection was presented to Canada, where the original ten beasts are now preserved at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec. Meanwhile, James Woodford created a second set carved in Portland stone, presented to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in 1956. These replicas can still be seen outside the Palm House, providing a lasting reminder of the Coronation decorations.
This photograph is therefore more than simply a record of the 1953 Coronation. It captures an important piece of British heraldic sculpture in its original setting, before the temporary annexe was dismantled and the Queen’s Beasts began their remarkable journey through several royal residences and eventually across the Atlantic. The intricate carving, richly coloured shield and striking appearance of the dragon make it one of the most distinctive surviving images of the Coronation’s decorative artwork.
As well as being a fascinating historical photograph, this striking image makes a distinctive piece of wall art for the home, office or workplace. The unusual dragon sculpture and its royal connections are almost guaranteed to attract attention and spark conversation, making it particularly appealing to anyone interested in Welsh heritage, British history, heraldry or the Royal Family. It would also make a thoughtful and unusual gift for that hard-to-buy-for friend or relative, especially someone with Welsh connections or a particular interest in the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Reproduced from a genuine vintage colour photograph in the Places Remembered archive — not artificially coloured — this historic London wall art preserves a remarkable example of the pageantry and artistic craftsmanship associated with the 1953 Coronation.
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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