Two paintings by Queen Victoria to go under hammer
The paintings were originally from the monarch's holiday home on the Isle of Wight
Last updated 18th Jan 2023
Two paintings by Queen Victoria from her holiday home on the Isle of Wight are set to be auctioned off.
They were bought by a private collector in 1945 when items from Osborne House were sold.
The pieces, depicting colourful flowers, were found at a cottage in Surrey following the death of its owner.
The paintings are being given a guide price of between £8,000 and £10,000 each.
Chris Kirkham, associate director of auctioneers Hansons London, said: "I was astounded and delighted in equal measure when I discovered the paintings.
"I was asked to value a few items at a cottage in Surrey but had no idea of the magnitude and importance of the antiques tucked away.
"The royal items were purchased decades ago by the seller's grandfather.
"He lived on the Isle of Wight and we understand he acquired them at a sale which offered items relating to Osborne House.
"Both paintings bear letters of provenance on the reverse."
The letters of provenance, dated October 1945, state: "With reference to the two pictures said to have been painted by Queen Victoria, which you bought at the Carisbrooke sale.
"I have since seen Lord Carisbrooke and he says there is no doubt that they were in fact painted by the late Queen Victoria."
Lord Carisbrooke is Alexander Mountbatten, 1st Marquess of Carisbrooke, who was her last surviving grandson and was able to confirm that the paintings were created by the Queen.
Despite the colourful nature of the paintings, Victoria was known for wearing only black in public following the death of her husband, Prince Albert, in 1861.
The seller, from London, who has been kept anonymous, said: "My grandfather collected amazing objects over the course of his life. He was fascinated by antiques and collectables.
"He originated from the Isle of Wight so it's no surprise he bought items at the Carisbrooke sale.
"It's always hard to part with family heirlooms but my father, who inherited them, has passed away.
"They deserve to come out of the shadows to be seen and enjoyed by others."
Osborne House, in East Cowes, was built for Queen Victoria and her husband, Prince Albert, as a country retreat.
The island is also home to the Carisbrooke Castle Museum, founded in 1898 by Princess Beatrice, the Queen's youngest daughter.
Princess Beatrice died in 1944, with items from the museum being sold around that time and the paintings being bought by a private collector.
The paintings will be sold by Hansons Auctioneers at their London showroom at the Normansfield Theatre, in Langdon Park, Teddington.