Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother had a life-long love of art. Over the course of many years she formed a diverse collection of watercolours and drawings. From the first portrait of the young Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, to watercolours presented on her hundredth birthday, the works in this exhibition were personal treasures. In many cases they also record the key events of an extraordinary life.

Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon was born on 4 August 1900, the daughter of the Earl and Countess of Strathmore. In 1923 she married the Duke of York, second son of King George V and Queen Mary. Their two daughters, Princess Elizabeth (now HM The Queen) and Princess Margaret, were born in 1926 and 1930 respectively. When the Duke of York succeeded his brother King Edward VIII, becoming King George VI in December 1936, the Duchess became Queen Consort.

In 1952 the King died at the age of fifty-six and was succeeded by his elder daughter. His widow, Queen Elizabeth, adopted as her official title Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. As the Queen Mother she continued for fifty years to inspire great affection, and to play an active role in public life. She died at Royal Lodge, her home in Windsor Great Park, on 30 March 2002. Clarence House, the Queen Mother's London residence, is now open to the public during the summer months.