Queen Victoria: Portrait of a Teenage Monarch – The Wallace Collection

To mark the 125th anniversary of the end of Queen Victoria’s reign, this short lunchtime talk invites visitors to take a closer look at a fascinating early portrait of the monarch as a teenager. Led by Curator Dr Lucy Davis, the session explores a portrait by English-born American artist Thomas Sully, offering insight into how the young Queen was seen at the very beginning of her extraordinary reign.

Drawing on Sully’s own journal writings, the talk considers questions of likeness, image-making and perception, encouraging audiences to reflect on how royal identity is shaped through portraiture. A concise and engaging introduction to one of Britain’s most enduring historical figures, set within the intimate surroundings of the Wallace Collection.

Places are free but limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis on the day.

Find out more here.