MARGATE.- An honour for the gallery, this historic moment came after a hugely successful first seven months, which has seen Turner Contemporary welcome over 300,000 visitors.

Her Majesty The Queen met with gallery Director Victoria Pomery, Chair John Kampfner and key members of staff. She was taken on a tour of the gallery, where she was introduced to guests including artist Tracey Emin, architect Sir David Chipperfield, and Deputy Director of Tate Alex Beard.

The Royal couple met with the young winners of our Page Turner competition, whose works hang in the gallery, pupils from Northdown Primary School and Hartsdown Technology College who were involved in activities in the Clore Learning Studio, and participants from our current and past community projects; Artworks, Blank Canvas, Cultural Ambassadors, The Great Art Quest, Generate and Art of Sound, as well as our Youth Navigators.

During the visit, Her Majesty unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occasion.

'We have had a fantastic response from our visitors, who have travelled from far and wide to Margate to experience the gallery and the art we have on display for free here.

We know the positive benefits we have already brought to the local economy, and I am delighted that The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh have been able to witness this impact for themselves.' said Victoria Pomery, Director of Turner Contemporary.

'The visit of The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh is a moment to celebrate for Turner Contemporary and the town, and confirms our status as a leader in our field and a gallery of international status.' said John Kampfner, Chair of Turner Contemporary

'The visit of Her Majesty the Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh to Turner Contemporary is not just a great moment for Margate but a major acknowledgement for British contemporary art. And it's so exciting - Margate's on the map again.' said Tracey Emin, artist