The Queens Gallery at Buckingham Palace is such an interesting place because it holds exhibitions that changed from the royal collection featuring paintings, decorative art, clothing, etc. The Queens Gallery was created as a private conservatory for Queen Victoria but was partly destroyed in an air raid in 1940, where the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh decided to rebuild it as a gallery in 1962. It was the Royal collection gallery until 1999 where it closed for expansion. What I found so interesting about the Queen’s gallery is how many visitors it would receive after the expansion because they also changed the inside exhibit which I think make the place even more fascinating because we see special pieces that belonged to the heirs of England. I was fortunate enough to go to the Queen's Gallery during our time in London and I attended the exhibit: Style and Society: Dressing the Georgian Society. I loved this exhibit because it was interesting to see how much fashion was a part of society and the impact it had on status.
While walking through the gallery I thought about Northanger Abbey specifically because of the societal expectations each individual held. For example, it was important for soldiers to wear the best material garments, and the finest details because it revealed their rank and legitimacy to society. In northanger abbey there is a similar example where women and men preparing for the courting season have attire that seems unique, expensive, and well made. In doing this it shows that you are of importance, and that you matter in this society. I found it interesting that fashion in Northanger Abbey and in the Queen's Gallery showcases how people would use clothing to navigate their way through these complex societal hierarchies. Overall I learned how much cultural identity is wrapped inside the Queens Gallery and the value it holds within the space on the timeline of Britain! If you ever get the chance to visit an exhibit at Queens Gallery, DO IT!