Jubilee exhibition's crown jewels

The Queen's crown and a selection of 19th century Faberge jewellery will be part of an exhibition to mark her Golden Jubilee next year.

The Evening Standard has been given an exclusive preview of a stunning display of the favourite works of art of kings and queens over more than 500 years. The exhibition opens next spring to mark the completion of the new Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

Royal Treasures: A Golden Jubilee Celebration, will feature 450 outstanding works and give a fascinating insight into the private tastes of members of the royal family who have shaped one of the world's greatest art collections. Paintings, furniture, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery, clocks, armour and manuscripts will be in the exhibition, which combines works from eight royal residencies.

The Queen's diamond crown, made for George IV's coronation in 1821 and the one she wears on coins and stamps, will be among the personal jewellery on show, alongside George II's Darnley Jewel, Henry VIII's hat badge and the Queen's brooch composed of the third and fourth largest stones from the Cullinan Diamond.

The expansion of the Queen's Gallery by architects John Simpson & Partners is the most significant addition to Buckingham Palace in 150 years. It includes an entirely redesigned entrance hall and new gallery space. The original building, known as the Nash Gallery, was designed by John Nash and completed in 1831. Among the paintings on show will be Vermeer's Lady At The Virginal, Van Dyck's equestrian portrait of Charles I and Copley's portrait of George III's three youngest daughters.

The Royal Collection, held in trust by the Queen, has largely been formed since the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, although some items belonging to earlier monarchs also survive. The majority of the collection inherited by Charles I was dispersed on Cromwell's orders and the royal patrons chiefly represented are Frederick, Prince of Wales, George III, George IV, Queen Victoria and Queen Mary.

An important group of modern work has also been acquired by Prince Philip's enthusiasm for the subject, including Graham Sutherland's Armillary Sphere. More unusual treasures belonged to the book enthusiasts George III and George IV, and include the 17th century Mughal manuscript, the Padshahnama and the Divan-i-Khaqan, written by the ruler of Persia.

Royal Treasures: A Golden Jubilee Celebration is on at the Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace from 22 May 2002 until 12 January 2003, 10am to 17.30 each day. Tickets will be available from February 1 by calling 020 7321 2233 or by visiting www.royal.gov.uk

Tickets are £6.50 per adult, over 60s £5, under 17 £3, under 5s are free. Family tickets (2 adults, 2 children) cost £16.