Where & when is this?

[mdm]

The War was a recent memory. Hillary and Tenzing Norgay had just climbed Mt Everest. William and Kate's wedding was a minor event compared to the outpouring of pride and the restoration of empire in 1953. The Queen has seen it all.

[Ash]

Thanks! I was thinking it was possibly the Coronation but couldn't find the correct date to narrow a search.

I think there are 3 variations of the same image. Quite a hefty piece.

[Ash]

Bonus points round is on its way.

[Ash]

1:


2:

[Steven Tribe]

A guess for 1 would indeed be the Festival of Britain. Semi-nationalist post War event with some terrible architecture. Yes, I was there there. I liked the Shot tower best.
2. is the "nasty" Pope Pius who was in power during the period 1935-1950(?) and is a controversial figure. His summer residence Castel.......?