WHAT? The Edwardians: Age of Elegance 

WHERE? The King’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA

WHEN? Now until 23rd November 

WHY GO?  For megastar buzz.  Life in the fast lane, Edwardian style.  And stylish the Edwardians certainly were.  This was an era of discovery and opulence where traditions were upheld, glittering society balls hosted, portraits painted by the likes of John Singer Sargent and jewellery by Fabergé flaunted, not to speak of travels to far away places where personal trophies were collected. But then it all faded away in 1914 at the outbreak of the First World War. 

This atmospheric exhibition uncovers a world that has captured the imagination of writers, artists and filmmakers like Merchant Ivory ever since.  There are over 300 items from the Royal Collections on display from wildly extravagant accessories to modest hand painted watercolours and family photos. 

Everything centres around the famous fashionable Royals who were the jet-setters of their age, King Edward Vll and Queen Alexandra then the next generation, King George V and Queen Mary. 

Suffice it to say, their portraits are the most extravagant and their patronage of the arts, the source of the most stunning exhibits.

For royalist fans, small family details intrigue, like their personal handwritten notes and celebratory gifts that provide a window into a world that is long forgotten. 

The glitter and gloss ends abruptly as the exhibition leads into the sombre finale, a small display portraying the chilling reality of war in all its full horror.

An exhibition that relays the passage of time and trappings of an elegant Edwardian era.

IN THE KNOW  Queen Alexandra was the Diana of her day.  Her looks were copied by all, with Vogue declaring her ‘the legitimate head of fashion’.  She was also the first Royal to embrace photography and this personal passion is beautifully related in a short online video to be viewed alongside the main exhibition.