Young Bess Westminster Abbey

Exterior view Westminster Abbey, Day/Night, translucent. The backdrop of the famed Gothic Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, offers an exceptional example of the perspective mastery of MGM's Scenic Art Department.

Westminster Abbey backdrop detail showing stone wall and shrubs

Westminster Abbey backdrop detail showing Gothic architecture

Westminster Abbey backdrop detail showing roof and stonework

Westminster Abbey backdrop detail showing abbey façade and grounds

Westminster Abbey backdrop detail showing iron fence and landscaped grounds

Costumed figures gathered inside a hall with large leaded-glass windows

Director

George Sidney

Studio

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Art Direction

Cedric Gibbons, Urie McCleary

Scenic Art Supervisor

George Gibson

Scenic Artist

Ben Carré, Clark Provins, Harry Tepker, F. Wayne Hill, William J. Smart

Description

Exterior high-angle view of Westminster Abbey, England, 1550s, Day/Night, Translucent

Place

London, England, 1550s

Date

1953

Dimensions

40’-0” x 22’-2”

Medium

Dry color and gelatin binder on cotton muslin

Style

Exterior Architecture

Credit

Gift of J.C. Backings Corporation

Photo Credit

ADG Archives, Melinda Sue Gordon and Karen Maness

Young Bess follows young Elizabeth I’s life to her accession to England’s throne.