Queen Elizabeth II's Lying-in-State remembered in moving new Westminster Hall exhibition

Westminster Hall opens its doors today to a remarkable free exhibition commemorating the 2022 Lying-in-State of Queen Elizabeth II through the eyes of six British artists.

"A Historic Farewell: Art as Witness to the Lying-in-State of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II" transforms the very location where the late monarch lay in state into a gallery space honouring that solemn occasion.

The temporary display, running until October 2, showcases works created by artists who witnessed the ceremony firsthand nearly four years ago.

Their pieces span multiple disciplines, from oil paintings and embroidery to printmaking, sculpture and film, each offering a distinct interpretation of this momentous chapter in British history.

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Among the featured works, Caroline Walker presents three oil paintings depicting the women who played roles in the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Tina Crawford's intricate embroidery incorporates fabric from the catafalque itself to represent the mourners who paid their respects.

Dryden Goodwin's contribution proves particularly ambitious, comprising 588 individual drawings of members of the public as they progressed through the famous queue, accompanied by animation and film footage.

Excerpts from Mr Goodwin's feature-length documentary, showing his interactions with those he sketched, are being displayed publicly for the first time.

The exhibition also includes preparatory materials from the artists, offering visitors insight into their creative processes.

Caroline Nokes MP, Chair of the Speaker's Advisory Committee on Works of Art, said: "These talented artists have brought incredible insight and creativity to the Parliamentary Art Collection through their interpretations of the Lying-in-State of Elizabeth II.

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"The Committee is proud to have worked with our Lords colleagues to commission these works, and to now see this exhibition come together in such a thoughtful way.

"We hope visitors find this to be a fitting space, which not only honours that momentous occasion, but also their own memories of it."

Lord Roberts of Belgravia, Chair of the Lord Speaker's Advisory Panel on Works of Art, described the pieces as "profoundly moving works" that "do not simply record history; they immortalise it, transforming a moment of collective grief into an artistic testament that will speak to future generations."

Admission to the exhibition is entirely free, though visitors must secure tickets in advance through the UK Parliament website.

Those attending pre-booked parliamentary tours during the exhibition period will automatically gain access at no extra cost.

Additionally, all completed artworks have been made available digitally through the Parliamentary Art Collection website, ensuring those unable to visit in person can still appreciate these significant additions to Britain's cultural heritage.

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