Conversation piece at the Royal Lodge, Windsor
- Artist: Sir James Gunn
- Date: 1950
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Dimensions: 59 1/2 in. x 39 1/2 in. (1511 mm x 1003 mm)
- Portrays: Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, King George VI, Princess Margaret
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is “Conversation piece at the Royal Lodge, Windsor”. In the canvas, King George VI sits in a relaxed pose, Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother beside him, and their daughters—Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret—flank them on either side. The group looks as if they are sharing tea: a teapot glows, plates sit on the table, and a small corgi lies at the foot of the king’s chair. Sir James Gunn worked in oil on canvas, 1950, using paper cut‑outs to place the dog so it rests perfectly.
The composition is intimate yet still formal. The figures wear mid‑century attire; you can see the crisp collars and subtle patterns in their jackets and dresses. The light falls evenly across the table, highlighting the polished surfaces of cups and plates. In the background, a window shows a glimpse of the gardens at Royal Lodge.
The portrait was commissioned after World War II, when the royal family had stayed in London through the Blitz. It captures that newfound informality – the king even takes a cigarette during tea – but remains a proud group painting. By depicting this everyday moment, Gunn links royal duty with domestic warmth, reflecting how people sought stability and normalcy in the post‑war years.
See it in person
Conversation piece at the Royal Lodge, Windsor is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
