In this post I’ve gathered together a selection of photographs that reference two jubilees; the current Platinum Jubilee, which marks 70 years of Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne as well as her Diamond Jubilee of 2012. All the images were shot in London with the exception of one example of graffiti witnessed in Brighton.
Starting with a few images from the Kentish Town and Camden areas of North London, the first group of photos include random sightings of the queen via paper masks and cardboard cut outs. I like the surreal, humorous and illusionistic qualities of these encounters:
Below, some Jubilee reflections in Central London:
Next, a series of windows and architectural facades featuring representations of a youthful queen:
The window display in the above photograph has combined disparate icons of Britishness; royalty, nationalism denoted by the Union Jack flag, and trademark culinary items such as Marmite, English mustard and ketchup.
In the following images the Union jack flag is an integral part of the mise-en-scène:
Below, a series depicting the Union Jack and other jubilee references in fashion and costume:
In the above photograph I like the way the family is very relaxed and casual, yet the woman on the left with her hand in the bag of crisps has donned a fancy blue hat as a homage to the Queen.
Next, a couple of examples of anti-Jubilee graffiti:
Finally, two photographs combining the themes of dance and royalty. Below my friend Jac celebrating her birthday punk style, in a Vivienne Westwood inspired outfit referencing the Sex Pistols classic, God Save the Queen:
Jubilee tourist souvenirs and a pun on an Abba anthem:
