FELIKS TOPOLSKI (1907-89)
Part of the funeral procession of King George VI
1952RCIN 453682
King George VI’s death at Sandringham on 6 February 1952 followed the gradual deterioration of his health over the previous four years. On 11 February his coffin was taken by train to London, then transported on a gun carriage through the streets to Westminster Hall for the lying-in-state. The King’s funeral took place at Windsor on 16 February. Feliks Topolski made several rapid sketches recording the funeral procession; when Queen Elizabeth was told of these she asked to see them, and the artist presented her with this drawing.