UNIQUE pictures from the Royal photograph collection, rarely seen outside Windsor Castle, are being shown in Blackpool.

The portrait photographs are from the Queen's exclusive art storehouse of more than 200,000 pictures and the exhibition called Presenting An Image will be shown at the Grundy art gallery until August 20.

Thirty-five of these images, some dating back as far as 1858, have been selected from the royal libraries for the display.

Among the portraits is a charming posed picture of the Queen Mother to mark her engagement in 1923.

There is also an enchanting picture which really captures the closeness enjoyed by the Queen Victoria and her little grandchildren in 1887. One of King George V shows him smoking, which was considered a gentlemanly thing to do at the time. There is even a picture of the last emperor of China on display.

The Grundy's curator, Lynn Fade, said: "We are delighted to be able to exhibit this prestigious collection in Blackpool and we are sure the pictures will generate a lot of interest.

"We felt people would be especially interested in photographs from the Royal Family."

To go with the exhibition, there will be a series of lectures about photography, school activities for junior and secondary children.

There will also be workshops for adults as well as activity mornings during the summer holidays and a photographic competition.

For more details about any of these events contact the Grundy on 751701.

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