3 February
–
23 April 2006
Section
3: Gender, Race and SocietyGilbert and George b.1943, b. 1942
Coronation Cross 1981
© Gilbert and George
This work is one of many postcard pieces by the artists showing members of the Royal Family and addressing the iconography of Britishness. It is composed of postcards of Cecil Beaton's portrait of Elizabeth II taken to commemorate her Coronation in 1953. Through this archival item, or nostalgic souvenir, the artists focus on British nationhood and art; British art they see as being neglected and underestimated in Britain, and British nationhood as being symbolized by Westminster, the seat of government, and the Queen, the Head of State.
