Salvation Army shop’s unique tribute to late Queen

Staff at a Salvation Army shop in Peterborough have discovered a historic photograph of Queen Elizabeth II in a donation of books.

The picture, taken by Royal photographer Dorothy Wilding in April 1952, now occupies pride of place at the front of the store on Long Causeway.

Philippa Millard, manager, said staff were delighted with their unexpected find.

She explained: “We were in our storage area and picked out a random bag of books. The bottom of the bag fell out followed by the photo. My mouth dropped open and I looked up at my assistant. We wanted a picture of The Queen and didn’t have one, so this really was serendipity.”

After the amazing discovery, Philippa said she was keen to find out more about the photo.

She said: “It was part of a series taken by Royal photographer Dorothy Wilding and these were used for the currency and stamps. You can tell by the age of it and the feel of the paper that it is an original. What we want to know is how it came to be in a bag of books in a charity shop in Peterborough but it will be difficult to find out who donated it and when.”

The window display at the shop was quickly adjusted with the photo at its centre and Philippa said it has already generated a considerable amount of interest.

She said: “We have had offers for it, but it is not currently for sale. In due time, we will have the photo valued properly and take it to auction. There are projects in Peterborough that need funds. I’m told its worth about £150 – but to us its priceless.

“We wanted to try and do something to mark the occasion particularly given our position in the city centre. It’s such a beautiful photograph showing her at the start of her reign and you can already see that energy within. It’s such an honour for us to have it and the memories will stay with us for ever.”