The Penza Literature Museum houses a reconstructed study of the famous writer Nikolai Pavlovich Zadornov. Just like during the writer’s lifetime, there is a photo of Queen Elizabeth II on his desk. Most likely, it is one of the many official portraits taken after her accession to the throne on February 6, 1952.

Nikolai Zadornov traveled a lot and visited many countries. In his work, he studied historical events. To do this, he not only researched archival documents but also visited places where such events took place if it was possible. Nikolai Zadornov visited England twice. According to his daughter, Lyudmila Nikolaevna, he returned from his journey to England with vivid impressions and emotions. This was also when the portrait of the Queen appeared in his study. The writer spoke about her with deep respect and admiration, considering her a brilliant political leader. He was interested in the history of the British royal family.

Nikolai Zadornov spent a month in England. He worked at the British Museum and went to the Isle of Wight which was the residence of Queen Victoria in the 19th century and was visited by the Russian Grand Duke Konstantin. Nikolai Zadornov wanted to see the island and imagine what it was like when it was owned by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. He also wanted to understand why the royal couple had chosen this place as their residence. The writer also managed to visit the Parliament of the United Kingdom. According to his daughter, there he witnessed the speech of Margaret Thatcher, the future prime minister who was nicknamed “The Iron Lady” for her strong and steadfast beliefs. Nikolai Zadornov attended the parliament meeting with an invitation card labeled “Strangers.” In England, Nikolai Zadornov was greeted by a representative of the Soviet embassy who provided him with all the necessary assistance and interpretation services. The journey resulted in the 1960 essay “In Sunny England.”